[aisle] challenge to book and book talk

[Dan Bostrom]

Hi Dawn,

I’m really sorry that you’re going through this. I’ve seen some really good responses in the AISLE email list. We are all here to help. I agree with pretty much everything said so far.

Definitely contact ALA. This kind of thing has to be documented. According to OIF, 82-97% of challenges go unreported. They can offer a ton of suggestions and ideas. They are pros and they can assist you through the process.

A few other resources:

RAILS also just announced our new Materials Challenge Pulse page: https://www.railslibraries.info/issues/263856. On that page, you’ll find best practices, example policies, and links to other resources.

I also wanted to point you a recent Book Riot article which had a really great material challenge response letter to Gender Queer: https://bookriot.com/gender-queer-coppell-texas

Dan


Dan Bostrom
Member Engagement Manager
Reaching Across Illinois Library System
Burr Ridge Office
Phone: 630.734.5152
Fax: 630.734.5050
dan.bostrom at railslibraries.info<mailto:dan.bostrom at railslibraries.info>
https://www.railslibraries.info

From: AISLE <aisle-bounces at list.railslibraries.info> On Behalf Of Dawn Scuderi via AISLE
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2022 11:25 PM
To: AISLE-Share: Association of Illinois School Library Educators discussion list <aisle at list.railslibraries.info>
Cc: Dawn Scuderi <scuderi.dawn at gmail.com>
Subject: [aisle] challenge to book and book talk

Hi Everyone,

So it is 11:00 at night and I can't sleep because over the last week I have 2 emails from angry parents about a very brief book talk I gave of "A High Five for Glenn Burke".
I am currently making my way through the Caudills and always tell the kids about current books that I am reading or have just finished.

I mentioned the book, gave a very brief synopsis and had almost immediate backlash from one parent who emailed me and my administrator.  They clearly shared their opinion that I had "violated" students by book talking a book that had a questioning character and a gay baseball player.

Today I received an email from a second parent threatening to take issue with my Superintendent and School Board if I ever discuss, promote or display books of a racial, political or LGBTQ nature again.  To ANY student.

I am in a 7/8 building.

We have a mission statement, collection development policy and challenge policy but they are not school board approved.

These challenges seem to not just be about the books but about me personally.  This evening I found out that the second parent posted about me on Facebook.

We have a board meeting on Wednesday.  Do I go?  Do you guys think this warrants a meeting with my union rep, a call to ALA?  So far my admin has been supportive, but this is just so much.

Book challenges are one thing, I feel like I can combat that.  But this feels personal.

Suggestions?

Thanks for any help,
Dawn


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