Re: [LM_NET] elem: cussing and censoring..

[Lisa Hunt <lisa3moon@YAHOO.COM>]

This topic is one that I never tire of answering, and it seems to be often anymore. 
 Parents and colleagues get the same types of response.  
   
  The book is an example of good literature.  You are offended by the language?  Of 
course return the book, and I would be happy to help you find a different good book 
to read.  Are there other books with cursing in my library?  Yes, examples of foul 
and uneducated language, slavery, barbaric treatment of humans and animals.  You 
will also find historical depictions of war and other atrocities, and many of them 
seem offensive to me, too.  However, our library is full of many types of 
children's literature, and I am proud of the depth and breadth of our collection.  
Children can read heart-warming uplifting stories, and tales of struggle and 
adversity that show how the difficulties in life are overcome by persons of 
character.  That happens in Kira Kira, adversity is overcome by persons of 
character.  I assume that is one reason is won the top award for children's 
literature in America.
   
  My response almost always stays general, and that is the point.  Our literature 
is for a general audience.  Personally, I will NEVER read The Devil's Arithmetic or 
I Have Lived a Thousand Days again.  They are great piece of children's literature, 
but they are too much for my heart to bear.  It is important that we develop the 
ability to discern our reading, viewing and audio tastes.  Good children's 
librarians help children develop that discerning skill.

marci davis <bluehilda@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
  Hello, LM-Netters:
I was hoping some of you who are more verbally gifted could help me with a 
"prepared statement" for next time this happens. When this situation came 
up in the staff lounge yesterday, all I could do was stammer, and I don't 
want to be caught like that again.
Many of our teachers have children that attend school at our elementary 
school. One of our teacher offspring in the fifth grade is a fantastic 
reader (yay!) but she brought in Kira-Kira yesterday and had had the pages 
marked with post-its and showed me several curse words. (which has happened 
before with other books/other students) I told her I was sorry. I checked 
the book back in and put it out on display again (Kira-Kira is the 2005 
Newbery Winner!).
Later at lunch, the teacher/parent brought up the words and asked if there 
were other books in the library with bad words and I said that there were. 
The teacher asked me why I didn't mark them out with a sharpie!!!!!! And 
that's where I didn't know what to-tactfully- say.
We all know how to deal professionally with a challenge, but it would be 
good to have a prepared response for questions like that. I will share 
responses.
Thanks,

M Davis
Media Specialist
Comer GA
bluehilda@hotmail.com

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      Lisa Hunt
  School Library Media Specialist
  National Board Certified
  Moore, OK




                
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