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Dear Colleagues, About a year ago I purchased the book It's Perfectly Normal among a number of half price books at our state school library conference. The book by Robie Harris with cartoon illustrations by Michael Emberly has caused a bit of controversy due to its frank illustrations and subject matter including puberty, birth control, masturbation, etc. Many have acted to censor it at public libraries. It has been sitting with a shelf of unprocessed books that I finally found time to ready for the shelves, but I decided to show it to the nurse, counselor, family life instructor, and principal before putting it into circulation, something I've never felt necessary to do before. They all agree that the book is excellent, but they are not sure about what type of status it should have: Reference? Overnight? Behind the counter and circulation with permission note from home? Professional collection? My middle school of 5th to 8th graders includes about 60% Latinos and 4% Palestinians as well as Black, Asian, and White students. The principal suggested that I ask you guys how you handle books about sex, especially those with illustrations, that discuss the topic with frankness. I'd really appreciate your feedback on this matter. I've had books like the Rosen series that include Coping with Sexual Abuse, etc. without any controversy. However, you know how some parents are. Their kid can see Halloween 24 and other gory stuff with no interference, but better not let them see any nudity, even cartoon style. Moreover, I'll have to watch for kids that always seem to need to draw lewd additions on top of such illustrations or grafitti four-letter words nearby on the pages. Sandy P. in Philly "It's got to be the going not the gettin' there that's good." Harry Chapin in song "Take the Greyhound" "But then, you could go both ways!" Scarecrow in movie "The Wizard of Oz" Sandy Pomerantz, Librarian Central East Middle School 236 E. Wyoming Ave. Phila., PA 19120 (215) 456-3037 spomeran@phila.k12.pa.us =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-= All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law. To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST), send email to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST 3) SET LM_NET MAIL * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv For LM_NET Help & Archives see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/ =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=