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Thank you all so much for weighing in on this book. Though opinion ran
the gamut from no, to have in library but don't recommend, to yes - the
body of responses helped me decide my position.

Go Ask Alice
Well, I'm in a 6th-8th library, and while we do have it, I'm not sure
I'd recommend it to 7th graders...8th is about the lowest I'd go, and
even then I'm a bit hesitant.

Angela Vietti O'Kane
Media Specialist
Monticello Trails Middle School
Shawnee, KS 66226
aokane@usd232.org
(913) 422-1100


That's a tough one.

I did order two copies last year because of student requests but that
was
only after I double checked to make sure other middle schools in our
district had the book too.

I read the book and I would never suggest it to a whole class.  It's way
too
mature.  Also along those lines is the book It Happened to Nancy.

I think you need to consider your community and the likely hood of a
book
challenge etc.  If you go with the book, I recommend getting your
reviews in
order.

Good luck--it was a really tough decision for me to include it.  I did
finally include it because I believe drug abuse is an issue for our
kids.

Eileen Carmody
Librarian
Stone MS
Centreville, VA
eileen.carmody@fcps.edu


Shannon,
In my opinion it is too mature for 7th graders.  I am very liberal, but
this
is one book I hope my 16 year old daughter doesn't find for a long time.
I
probably wouldn't forbid her to read it, but I would have to have a
serious
discussion with her as she read it.  I feel like the glorification of
the
sex act while on drugs is my big hang-up.  I would really be sure your
teacher understands what she may be in for in the way of parental
objections.
Ruth Ann

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Ruth Ann Noe, librarian           =20

Perryton Jr. High School       phone:  806.435.360 x227
510 S. Eton St.                    fax:  806.435.3601
Perryton, TX  79070             e-mail:  ranoe@perrytonisd.com


Shannon-I have to agree with you. I do not have this book on my shelves
either (gr 7-8) and would probably only recommend this book to a 9th
grader
(or higher). I taught 7th grade Language Arts and Literature and 7th
graders
(even gifted ones) are not socially/mentally  prepared for this book. My
opinion for what it is worth!
BJ

Barbara Johnson, Librarian
Albright Middle School
Houston, TX 77083
bhjohnso@albrightmail.alief.isd.tenet.edu
<mailto:bhjohnso@albrightmail.alief.isd.tenet.edu>


Best Books for Senior High Readers by John T. Gillespie recommends Go
Ask
Alice for grades 9-12, it is not in his Junior High recommended reading
list
Sandy Duke


Dear Shannon,

I agree with you.  I feel not only is the book too mature, but it=20
definitely needs to be read aloud and offered up for discussion on a
HIGH=20
school level.  At a previous school one of our teachers requested that
her=20
9th graders read it, and there was much hullabaloo..and eventually it
was=20
banned from the school.  I feel like the banning is a shame, because in
the=20
right setting, perhaps a psychology class it has its place, but just for
a=20
normal language arts class....no way.   I have a 7th grader and I would=20
cringe at the thought, and as much as I hate to say it, I would not
allow=20
her to read it at that age.  She needs to be older, more mature, and
able=20
to handle the drugs, alcohol, and sex issues.  Hope this helps, let me
know=20
what happens.
Charlotte Gray
Librarian
St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School
4830 Walnut Grove Rd.
Memphis, Tennessee 38117
cgray@saa-sds.org <mailto:cgray@saa-sds.org>


I would not want MY 7th grader (if I still had one) reading it.  It is
liberally sprinkled with the F word and graphic sex.

It is much more appropriate for mature high school, but even then I'd
worry.  In fact, the only place I'd ever heard it being used was in an
Alternative Ed program for older teens not welcome in redular schools.


Dawn Sardes


Dear Shannon,=20
I completely agree with you.  I read it for a grad. school class and I
do not think it would be appropriate until High School.  It contains
very heavy material that I do not think is appropriate for middle school
aged children.=20
Kristen Marsella,=20
Media Specialist=20
State Bridge Crossing Elem.=20
marsella@fulton.k12.ga.us <mailto:marsella@fulton.k12.ga.us>=20
I think it would be ok to have in the collection but I wouldn't advise a
teacher having all her kids read it.  She will be sure to hear from
parents.

Lorraine Smith
Librarian
St. Gabriel's Catholic School
Austin, TX
lorraine.smith@sgs-austin.org


I remember loving this book in high school.  I don't think it's
appropriate
for seventh grade.  Perhaps the teacher also remembers loving it as an
adolescent.  Maybe you could send her to the public library to reread
passages.  She'd probably come to the same conclusion.

Becky Mosbacher
Library Media Specialist
Hellgate Middle School=20
2385 Flynn Lane
Missoula, MT  59808
bmosbacher@hellgate.k12.mt.us


I have this book on the shelves, somewhat popular with 8th grade girls.
I
would pick something like Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli (peer pressure,
teen)
but even this is a bit mature for 7th graders.  I would never use GA
Alice
as a classroom read - I think better to focus on positive issues that
teens
can relate to their own experiences.  The Drug thing is better left for
high
school.

Howabout  Lord of the Flies (again, a bit mature) or The View From
Saturday
about different kinds of people, tolerance, or Zachery Beaver Came to
Town
or The Mighty?

Amy Ojserkis
Media Specialist
Belhaven Avenue School
Linwood, NJ  08221
amyojserkis@linwoodschools.org
(609) 926-6700,  FAX (609) 926-6705


Im at a Jr high 7-9 and have it and plan to keep it when we change to
middle school 6-8 but I would be careful about recomending it I feel
there
is a big difference between having a book and recomemeding it

James Johnson
Library/Media Specialist
Oskaloosa Jr. High School
1704 North 3rd street
Oskaloosa, Iowa 52577
641 673 8308 ex 1725
Fax 641 683 8308
Johnsonj@aea15.k12.ia.us <mailto:Johnsonj@aea15.k12.ia.us>


Shannon,
    I would start by making sure that the teacher has actually read Go
Ask
Alice all the way through.  When I started here at this middle school,
it
was on the shelf, but when it died of being read to death, I chose not
to
replace it because I think that the language and content are more
appropriate for high schoolers.

    I agree with your misgivings.
                            Sandy


Sandy Grasfield, Library/Media Specialist
Kennedy Middle School
165 Mill St., Natick, MA 01760
(508)647-6400, X2402
<grasfiel@massed.net


I think it's completely inappropriate for 7th grade.  I know it's a
cautionary tale, but it's really  a high school book.  At least to
handle in class.  I read it myself in 10th grade, it's been
extraordinarily popular in all the public and school libraries I've
worked in, and I completely understand the teachers' point of view, that
the kids will be enthralled (and they will).  But it's not appropriate.

There's my two cents...

Christie Hamm, Librarian
Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School
Los Angeles, CA
chamm@swes.org
(310) 889-2241



You might check to see what the kids are reading on their own, and what
they're watching on tv.  It really depends on the community.  I think
it's a great book that all kids should read; however, if I were in a
community where the kids were less sophisticated, I might wait till 8th
or 9th grade.  Most of the 7th graders I worked with, though, regularly
watched "R" rated videos and movies, and played extremely graphic video
games.  And this was a very small rural "Bible belt" community. =20

HTH!

Louise C. Leonard, MLS
Solomon Schechter Day School Library
Jacksonville, FL
Lhurst1054@aol.com <mailto:Lhurst1054@aol.com>


Hi...
I read this book last year after I ordered it.  I ordered it because we
had
an Accelerated Reader test on it.  After I read it, I decided, while the
kids would love it, I would get FAR TOO MANY parental complaints about
it.
It would not be worth the hassle.  I really the content is MUCH too
mature
for your average m.s. student!  Too bad, because the story is a real
spell-binder!
Hope this helps!
Sherry Thompson, Librarian
Highland Village Elem.--Lewisville, TX
former librarian--Whitehouse Jr. H.S.
Whitehouse, TX


Definitely not.  =20

Cindy Denning=20
TWU MLIS student=20
Once and future librarian=20
Collinsville, TX=20
cynden744@aol.com <mailto:cynden744@aol.com>

 Shannon,=20
      My 7th grade Reading Teacher allowed her students to read it,
matter of fact I did a book talk on it.  It was a great book, yes it is
for a mature audience, however, I feel that with the student population
that I teach it was a worth while venture to allow them to read it.  The
only thing I did was, I said that my students needed to have a parental
approval.  My 9th graders read it w/o any parental approval.=20
Michele
Hi Shannon,

In my opinion, most 7th graders can handle this book, in fact it is very
popular in my school.  However, recommending it... may set your teacher
up
for a challenge by a parent.  On the other hand, I had a parent donate 3
copies to my library because she felt it was a "must read".  Who knows
for
sure??????? =20

  Colleen Normandin
Glassboro Intermediate School
Glassboro, NJ
cnormandin@glassboro.k12.nj.us <mailto:cnormandin@glassboro.k12.nj.us>

Shannon -=20

I have it on the shelf and it is never in, but I would
not recommend it for a class read.

Jill Brown, LMS=20
Nardin Academy (1-8)
Buffalo, NY
buflib@yahoo.com <mailto:buflib@yahoo.com>


I wouldn't get it for middle school and I have read it.  Try Follett
Titlewave or your catalogs and see what the reviews say and see if it is
in
Middle School Catalog and what grade levels it is recommended for.
Ann Haines
Librarian RET
I taught middle school for 6 years (I'm home with little kids right now)
and I JUST read Go Ask Alice over Thanksgiving for the first time.  It
is WAY too mature for 7th graders, in my opinion.  Unless your school is
exceptionally rough and inner-city type, I would say no way.  It was a
hard (emotionally) book to read - though spell-binding.

I would definitely have the principal read it (or excerpts?) before
someone in the building reads it.  Kids mature a lot between 7th and
10th grades........ and I think 10th grade is about the earliest for
this one.

Kathy in San Antonio, TX


Way to old for 7th grade.  You will have parents up in
arms.  Don't fall for it
Sue

I agree many students may not understand it- you may want to suggest
some
alternate titles  that are included in your collection

D. Marger
Line Mt. H.S.
Herndon, PA
marger@ruralife.net <mailto:marger@ruralife.net>

I teach in a middle school and have "Go Ask Alice" on  my shelves-
several copies.  It is rare to have a copy in.  It could not recommend
it
for a class novel, but there are merits to the book. There have been no
challenges.

Ellen Hanson, Library Media Specialist
Alderwood Middle School
Lynnwood, WA
hansone@edmonds.wednet.edu <mailto:hansone@edmonds.wednet.edu>

I agree many students may not understand it- you may want to suggest
some
alternate titles  that are included in your collection
D. Marger
Line Mt. H.S.
Herndon, PA
I taught middle school for 6 years (I'm home with little kids right now)
and I JUST read Go Ask Alice over Thanksgiving for the first time.  It
is WAY too mature for 7th graders, in my opinion.  Unless your school is
exceptionally rough and inner-city type, I would say no way.  It was a
hard (emotionally) book to read - though spell-binding.

I would definitely have the principal read it (or excerpts?) before
someone in the building reads it.  Kids mature a lot between 7th and
10th grades........ and I think 10th grade is about the earliest for
this one.

Kathy in San Antonio, TX
Shannon -=20

I have it on the shelf and it is never in, but I would
not recommend it for a class read.

Jill Brown, LMS=20
Nardin Academy (1-8)
Buffalo, NY
buflib@yahoo.com <mailto:buflib@yahoo.com>

Definitely not.  =20

Cindy Denning=20
TWU MLIS student=20
Once and future librarian=20
Collinsville, TX=20
cynden744@aol.com <mailto:cynden744@aol.com>

Hi...
I read this book last year after I ordered it.  I ordered it because we
had
an Accelerated Reader test on it.  After I read it, I decided, while the
kids would love it, I would get FAR TOO MANY parental complaints about
it.
It would not be worth the hassle.  I really the content is MUCH too
mature
for your average m.s. student!  Too bad, because the story is a real
spell-binder!
Hope this helps!
Sherry Thompson, Librarian
Highland Village Elem.--Lewisville, TX
former librarian--Whitehouse Jr. H.S.
Whitehouse, TX

Hi Shannon,

In my opinion, most 7th graders can handle this book, in fact it is very
popular in my school.  However, recommending it... may set your teacher
up
for a challenge by a parent.  On the other hand, I had a parent donate 3
copies to my library because she felt it was a "must read".  Who knows
for
sure??????? =20

Colleen Normandin
Glassboro Intermediate School
Glassboro, NJ
cnormandin@glassboro.k12.nj.us <mailto:cnormandin@glassboro.k12.nj.us>

Shannon,=20
      My 7th grade Reading Teacher allowed her students to read it,
matter of fact I did a book talk on it.  It was a great book, yes it is
for a mature audience, however, I feel that with the student population
that I teach it was a worth while venture to allow them to read it.  The
only thing I did was, I said that my students needed to have a parental
approval.  My 9th graders read it w/o any parental approval.=20
Michele


I wouldn't get it for middle school and I have read it.  Try Follett
Titlewave or your catalogs and see what the reviews say and see if it is
in
Middle School Catalog and what grade levels it is recommended for.
Ann Haines
Librarian RET

ahaines2@mindspring.com

Shannon,
    I remember reading it in grade 8 and it was okay for me.  Kids today
are
more worldly at an earlier age than even the almost 30 years ago when I
read
it.  I think it would be okay.

Diane Gallagher-Hayashi
Teacher-Librarian
Stelly's School
Saanich School District (63)
Saanichton, British Columbia
Canada, V8M 1S8
Diane_Hayashi@sd63.bc.ca <mailto:Diane_Hayashi@sd63.bc.ca>
daichan@islandnet.com


Hello Shannon,

The book definately has mature language and themes.  However, students=20
love it.  I taught a remedial 7th grade class and the book was always=20
checked out of my classroom library.  It is great for reluctant readers.

 I never used it as a classroom book or even recommended it to students.

 But once one student in the room read it, the word spread.  Although it

has mature discussions, it is real and many students want gritty=20
reality, especially in 7th grade when they are in such a state of=20
confussion.  The book definately does not glamorize drugs and Alice does

not end up OK so it's message is ultimatley to stay away from drugs=20
because once you start, it is very hard to leave it.

I hope this helps.

Diane Keyes

Hit Posted by:
Shannon McNeice
Library Media Specialist
Ellington Middle School
Ellington, CT 06029
smcneice@ellingtonschools.net
http://www.biblio.org/EllingtonMiddle

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