Re: SEC: Monster

[Bea Ishler <bishler@MCPSS.COM>]

We don't allow guns on campus, but we have many books about guns.  As you
stated the social message out weighs the "f" word.  Make sure that English
teachers talk about why authors have their characters use certain language.
It is part of defining who the character is. That does not mean that the
word is appropriate.  I think 36 Exposures by Major has the "f" word.
Bea Ishler, LMS
Bryant High School
Irvington, AL
bishler@mcpss.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Ellen Wickham <ewickham@INDEP.K12.MO.US>
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU <LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU>
Date: Friday, November 10, 2000 5:14 PM
Subject: SEC: Monster


>This is reference to Monster: The autobiography of an L.A. gang member,
>by Sanyika Shakur aka Monster Kody Scott
>
>I'm needing some help with this one!  I've been asked to add this book
>to our collection (9-12 school).  As with all requests, I research, find
>reviews, etc.  and I found recommendations from Kirkus and Library
>Journal   I decided to discuss this (probably a mistake) with my
>(usually) supportive principal who voiced his opinion against the
>purchase, based primarily onthe prolific use of the "f" word.  His idea
>is to provide permission slips (yikes!) to warn parents that their child
>is reading the book (doesn't this negate confidentiality?!).   His
>opinion is that if we don't condone use of the "f" word in the
>classroom/halls, why should we condone it in print, which is what (he
>believes) we would be doing if we purchased the book.  I mentioned that
>this would not be the only book in the collection with the "f" word in
>it. Unfortunately, we had to cut the discussion short.  I know I should
>have just exercised my professional judgment and purchased the book,
>but. . . . . you know what they say about hindsight.  I haven't read the
>book yet, but I plan to in the next couple of days.
>
>I think the message and information imparted here -- not just for kids
>living on the edge, but for sociological research -- far outweigh the
>use of the "f" word.  (and for all you Dewey sensitive Missourians --
>it's a 300!)
>
>I need some good ammunition for the continuation of our discussion.  So
>all you wonderful Library Media Specialists around the globe:  come to
>my rescue!
>
>Also, if you know of any books (without too much thought) that have the
>"f" word in it, send the title/author along also. Fiction or nonfiction
>would be a big help.
>
>Thanks in advance for your suggestions and advice.
>Ellen
>
>
>
>C. Ellen Wickham             voice 816-521-2710
>Library Media Specialist    fax  816-521-2924
>Truman High School
>3301 S. Noland Road
>Independence, MO 64055
>ewickham@indep.k12.mo.us
>
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