Censored book

[Madeline Buchanan <mlbuchan@SCOTT.NET>]

Dear LM_NETTERS,

A week ago I read the folk tale "Tailypo" to my elementary students.  Two
of my parents complained about the story and my principal is very upset.

What I need to know is have any of you used the book with your students and
what activities do you do with the book?  I have always read the book
around Halloween time and the students have always enjoyed it, even
chanting along with me at the appropriate times.  My principal says she is
concerned about the violent ending and the impact it may have on the
students.

I know that the majority of ghost stories have a "gotcha" plot and I would
like to show my principal how other librarians use the story with their
students so the students are not threatened or scared.  This story is
widely used around my school system and I have even had visiting
storytellers come in and tell the story.

Thanks so much for your help.


     Madeline L. Buchanan            W. J. Christian School
     Library Media Specialist        Birmingham, Alabama
     mlbuchan@scott.net              Voice:  (205) 838-7620 or (205) 838-7666
     dems105@uabdpo.dpo.uab.edu      Fax:  (205) 838-7622
     http://www.scott.net/~mlbuchan

     Exercise develops your body.  Reading develops your mind.