[LM_NET] TAR ELEM: Heinemann Military Series in K-2 / Possible Book Challenge

[Linda Costelloe <lcostelloe@RYENECK.K12.NY.US>]

Hi All,
 
I'm in a position where I'm facing a possible book challenge.  I'm in a K-2 
building and the complaint came in regarding one of the books in the Heinemann 
Military Series.  I bought the series in response to a high demand for information 
about guns, fighting, war, etc. from many of the boys in our building.  I do feel 
it's a good series, very informational without being sensational in any way.  The 
series is geared toward gr 3-5, which is no different than many of the non-fiction 
materials that we have in our collection for our higher level readers, and those 
that desire more in depth info than books targeted to younger readers provide.
 
The parent objected to a picture of a silencer in the book titled Personal Fighting 
Gear.  The picture shows a silencer and goes on to talk about how the noise of a 
firing gun is made by sound waves, and that a silencer really just muffles the 
sound.....it's scientific and factual.  
 
I feel even more strongly that it has a place after going to hear Peg Tyre speak 
recently about her book The Trouble With Boys.  She spoke of boys becoming detached 
from the educational process at earlier and earlier ages, and that we need to do 
more to keep them engaged.  We need to provide more of the books that they want to 
read.....and books such as this Heinemann series demystify a topic that is such a 
strong interest with so many of them.
 
Am I off base in feeling that this book has a place in a K-2 building?  Does anyone 
else servicing this age group own this series??  Is there a better option that I 
should purchase that answers the need for information on this topic?  The entire 
series is extremely popular and I have boys that have encyclopedic knowledge of all 
things military.  I've purchased books based on requests for more in depth 
information on many other things:  snakes, lizards, guinea pigs.  Is this different 
because it has guns?  I should say that my principal and my department chair are 
supporting me.  I'm supposed to meet the parents to discuss the book tomorrow.
 
Any insight or words of advice would be greatly appreciated!! TIA
 
Linda
 
Linda Costelloe
School Library Media Specialist
Daniel Warren Elementary School
1310 Harrison Avenue
Mamaroneck, NY  10543
914-939-0628
lcostelloe@ryeneck.k12.ny.us

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