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I'll be trying a new company--ReadStreet Book Fairs, Inc.--next week.
Toll free #: 1-800-557-7323/ fax: 901-383-8279. The selection is smaller
than either Scholastic or Troll but is of good quality. My dealing with
them over the phone have been satisfactory.
mary miner, teacher/librarian
Niobrara Public Schools, NE
mminer@mother.esu1.k12.ne.us
she who never climbed, never fell
On Fri, 4 Apr 1997, Gary and Beth McCheyne wrote:
> I have a situation that I need to handle carefully, and I'm hoping for
> some of that expert advice that has always come from lm_net in the past.
>
> Last week, we had a Troll Book Fair in our K-6 school. I have had book
> fairs with Troll for the past 5 years without having any real problems,
> except that they invariably send extra books that are not listed in any of
> the advertisements that go home to the parents. Well, this time the book,
> "Are you home alone" by Richard Peck was on the bargain table, and a
> primary-level child (under 3rd grade) chose to buy the book. As the book
> is about the subject of rape, and contains violent scenes that I agree are
> not appropriate for this child, the parent is rather unhappy.
>
> To complicate matters further, I am within a day or so of having a baby,
> and I was not present when this situation happened. I am glad that my
> substitute and my assistant were astute enough when the parent came in to
> complain that the parent is no longer planning to visit the school board,
> the superintendent or the principal. She is not angry with the school,
> but with Troll. We have promised a letter of complaint to the company
> with a copy to the parent, and she seemed satisfied with that at least for
> the moment.
>
> I have been contemplating trying a different book fair company for next
> year anyway, just for a change of pace, so I don't mind writing a letter
> to Troll complaining about their habit of sending unadvertised books that
> are inappropriate for our age of children. I can't help feeling a bit of
> personal responsibility for relying on their judgement and not looking
> closer at the books myself. The time factor for doing this, though, would
> probably make it impossible unless I want to be there all night the day
> before the fair opens.
>
> I'm interested in any thoughts, suggestions, advice, or encouragement any
> of you can give on this issue.
>
> Thank you for listening!
>
> Beth McCheyne
> K-6 School Library Media Specialist
> Interlaken, NY
>
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