ELEM: Blubber problems

[Johanna Halbeisen <johanna.newsong@RCN.COM>]

A third grader came up to me today with a copy of Judy Blume's Blubber.
She showed me that at the beginning of the fourth chapter, one of the
kids calls a teacher a bitch (not to her face).  I'd like some other
opinions here.  This seems to be a bit out of line for a K-4 library.
At least, of the fights I could have over controversial words in
children's books, this isn't one I'd choose to have.  I'm not sure
what age this would be appropriate for.  I'll admit that I have
trouble with Blubber even without the word.  There is verbal and
physical harassment and the adults seem completely oblivious to it.
But putting that aside, what arguments are there for this being in a
K-4 library?
Thanks!
--
Johanna Halbeisen, Library Media Teacher
Woodland Elementary School (preK-4)
80 Powder Mill Rd,  Southwick, MA 01077
johanna.newsong@rcn.com

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