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Posted on 04/10/2005 6:42:44 PM PDT by Texasbock
Pasadena Independent School District superintendent Dr. Rick Schneider has banned the book "Forever" by popular children's author Judy Blume from the shelves of libraries within the district.
The book had previously been found in the collections of one intermediate and three high schools. Advertisement
"It is never an easy decision to pull a book from the shelves. The superintendent has the responsibility to put materials in the system that are educationally suitable and appropriate. In this particular case, after reading the book, he felt that, though the theme is not unsuitable certain passages are and decided to remove the book," said district spokesperson Kirk Lewis.
The complaint was initially lodged by a parent at Thompson Intermediate School.
According to district policy process, a campus review committee was formed to study the book.
The issue was next studied by a central office committee comprised of administrators, instructors and parents and then by Schneider.
Though an initial committee recommendation was that the work be removed from only intermediate and not high school libraries, it was ultimately decided to withdraw "Forever" from the district library system completely due to what was deemed "sexually explicit content.
"Certain passages were not appropriate for any students of the school district," continued Lewis.
The novel, first published in 1975, is self-described as "a moving story of the end of innocence."
According to the American Library Association, it is the eighth "most frequently challenged" book.
A challenge is defined as a formal, written complaint, filed with a library or school requesting that materials be removed because of content or appropriateness. The ALA Office for Intellectual Freedom received a total of 547 challenges last year. According to Judith F. Krug, director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, the number of challenges reflects only incidents reported, and for each reported, four or five remain unreported.
With all the many good books available, Judy Blume's books will not be missed. I read two, and like you, them made me uncomfortable, and I decided not to have my daughter read them. Besides, I they were not well written, certainly no "Little Women" or "Black Beauty."
Libertarian ping.To be added or removed from my ping list freepmail me or post a message here.
Yeah, that was her. That was from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. In my very brief pre-high school public school experiences, I had a fourth-grade teacher who read that to our class. It was a lot of fun, but, looking back, we could've actually read it ourselves or learned something more important...
No, I am not nuts, but I am sarcastic to a fault. If I was serious, you are right, I would be a liberal--synonymous with nuts.
That was actually my personal definition of a fool, not a personal attack on you... relax.
But since you brought up the subject:
I think the whole concept of self-assurance is hilarious!!!! I'm glad there are fools (aka serious people who are intent on wasting both sunny and rainy days). The violent fools are another story.
I have plenty of doubts about the security of my own knowledge and wisdom. Heck if I were about to step on a nail I would surely want someone to shout out: "Hey Gava, watch out for that nail!!!!"
(hint: the best defensive against non-argumentative statements is light-hearted humor)
I have no quams with God but humanity is very stupid and overly critical of its neighbors. It's no surprise that Christ was displeased with the actions of some of his own followers. I bet that all he wanted to do was show people how to live life to the fullest and only be serious enough to show others how to do the same.
If the word of god isn't intended to compel us to live a joyous, meaningful life than what could it possibly be about?
Depends on what you mean by ultimate knowledge. I'm not sure what the phrase means.
The Bible mentions Judy Blume? Wow. Amazing.
There was a book once called "Pinballs" I think - all about these abused and/or abondonded kids who were now in foster homes - I literally HATED the book - it was 6th grade reading curriculum in Texas, 4th grade in PA.........now what does that tell you?
These parent got involved on behalf of their children and they made a difference by so doing. I applaud their involvement...and in this case, agree with it too.
Best regards.
Well said. It seems that too many are at the stage of "well, they're going to do it anyway, so what's the big deal"? That kind of giving up will only lead to more problems.
Yes, *some* teens have sex - but certainly not all of them, and there's certainly no point in advertising that it's a "common" thing.
Alriiiiiiiiiiiiiighty then.
I must congratulate you on such a wise decision. Your kids will thank you for that and they will live wonderful, happy, productive lives. My cousin was homeschooled and she may be the most brilliant, sociable, and kind-hearted person i've ever met.
My life is pretty stable as it is. I don't really have a problem with an everchanging reality.
So, I don't think your question really applies to me.
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