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Assignment 3

Michele Sherman LIS 622 Assignment 3: Intellectual Freedom Assignment October 22, 2009

//Bridge to Terabithia//, by Katherine Paterson (1977) is a book that has been frequently challenged and banned. It is a story about the friendship of Jess and Leslie. Leslie moves to rural Virginia with her writer parents and meets Jess at school. They create this secret world called Terabithia in the woods near their home where they are the king and the queen. Class bullies, mean teachers and parents are not allowed. Leslie shows Jess the power of imagination and stories. When Leslie dies trying to go to Terabithia, Jess must learn how to cope with his grief and find a way to honor his best friend. The American Library Association has a list of the 100 most frequently challenged books from 1990-1999. //Bridge to Terabithia// is listed as number eight. It is also among the top ten most frequently challenged books of 2002 (#8) and 2003 (#10). According to the ALA listings, the reasons for it’s inclusion on these lists are due to occult/Satanism, offensive language, and violence. (ala.org) In 1993, a line from //Bridge to Terabithia// containing a profane word caused a school board member in Oskaloosa, Kansas to propose a plan that would require that teachers are to notify parents of curse words contained in the books used by students. The ruling stated that teachers must compile a list of inappropriate words found in the books as well as the number of times they appear. The lists are to be handed out to parents in order for the parents to decide whether their children can read those books. The school board passed this plan. (School Library Journal 1993) More recently, in 2002, a group from Cromwall, Massachusetts wanted to ban this book and others dealing with witchcraft. They felt //Bridge to Terabithia// explained the practice of the nature religion of wiccans. Their case was stated to the board of education but because the group did not request a curriculum review formally, action against the book was not taken. (School Library Journal 2002). //Bridge to Terabithia// has been challenged in many other states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and California. Others felt that the subject matter of death is inappropriate for children. (Salem Press, Inc 1997). I love this book for it’s portrayal of friendship, family and imagination, and for it’s sensitive portrayal of tragedy. //Bridge to// //Terabithia// is an important book that deals with real life situations and problems that children can relate to.

Resources [|www.ala.org] [] “What are they teaching you at that damn school?” //School Library Journal//. August 1993. p 14. //School Library Journal// staff. “Censorship Roundup.” //School Library Journal//. Oct 2002 “Censorship (Ready for Reference Series)” //Salem Press, Inc//. 1997. found through EBSCO databases.

Dear Mrs. Parent,

We at Cornwall Central Middle School appreciate your concern over the use of Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson in our library. I understand that you feel this book is inappropriate for your child due to certain themes and passages. I want to assure you that we acknowledge the right of people to express their concerns. We do however follow certain guidelines and procedures in the handling of a complaint of school materials. The administrators of the school and the librarian have established a selection development policy and follow the principles of intellectual freedom. Our goal is to make a thoughtful consideration for everyone involved.

A librarian’s role is to provide students with access to information. We want students to be able to not only access the information but to also evaluate it, therefore becoming critical thinkers and lifelong learners. Our selection policy is established so that the materials chosen will be beneficial educationally to students. We strive for our selections to be of excellent quality, reputation, and significance of the author and publisher. Other criteria we follow are the integrity and validity of the material.

The librarian works closely with other teachers and administrators to provide materials that support the curriculum of the school. The materials that are selected have favorable reviews and recommendations from respected selection sources and from other library and school professionals. We stand by our collection believing that they were made with educational goals in mind. It is important to our selection process that a wide range of ideas and points of view are present. This we believe will enhance the students learning experiences and lead them to be thoughtful learners and thinkers.

It is also our obligation under the First Amendment and as professionals to provide access to information and not impede anyone’s right to read and receive such information. To have free and open access to information and ideas is the cornerstone of a democracy. It is important to follow the principles of intellectual freedom so that no one is denied their rights. People have the right to choose reading materials and other information for themselves without restrictions.

I am more than happy to discuss this issue with you and to help your child select a different book to read. I am also available to discuss in more detail our selection policy.

If you are still concerned, please fill out a reevaluation of media center materials form which is to be sent to me. I will then pass it on to the principle and the reevaluation committee for review. Please keep in mind that materials that are being reevaluated will not be restricted from use or removed from the library during this process as to not prohibit anyone else’s rights. Also, the reevaluation of this book applies to the parent’s child only and not to others. This is the process we adopted as a school district with the support of the American Library Association. Prompt attention will be made to this request, and you will hear back from us within 30 days.

Sincerely, Michele Sherman Library Media Specialist

Resources consulted

[|www.ala.com] Morris, Betty J. Administering the School Library Media Center. 4th ed. Libraries Unlimited, 2004. pp653-669.