An oak tree's willingness to be called he or she canceled a district read in Floyd County, VA; themed book displays are banned in Louisiana parish; and more.
CASEY: Bestselling Kids’ Book Wishtree Spooks Virginia County District | The Roanoke Times
A self-pollinating tree sparked complaints in Floyd County, VA, because the tree that narrates Katherine Applegate's Wishtree says, “Call me she. Call me he. Anything will work.” Now, a group read of the book has been canceled.
Utah Governor Signs Bill Making It Easier to Ban Books from Utah Schools Statewide | Salt Lake Tribune
The new law allows a single book to be removed from all Utah public schools if three districts (or two districts and five charter schools) determine it amounts to “objective sensitive material.”
Book Ban Controversy Prompts Title Shakeup at Alabama Public Library | WVTM 13
The board of Trussville Public Library faced the call for the removal of 41 books. In the end, 11 books were removed, which the board said was not due to their content but because they were not being checked out enough. The other 30 challenged titles will remain in the same section or be moved to the adult department or new mature teen area.
Louisiana Library Board Reinstates Book Display Ban | KATC3
The Library Board of Control meeting for the Lafayette Parish Public Libraries System reinstated a ban on certain themed book displays. The decision means commemorative months, such as Pride Month, Women’s History Month, and Black History Month, will not be showcased in any libraries across Lafayette Parish Public Libraries System.
Researchers: Books about Difficult, Adult Subjects Make Kids Better Readers | VOA
A study found that reading books considered “disturbing” by students was beneficial for their learning and emotional development. Parents also noticed a growth in their children after they read the disturbing books.
Policing Libraries, aka Book Banning, Moves a Step Further in Arkansas | Arkansas Times
At the request of a library board member, who was appointed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the head of the Arkansas State Library emailed state-funded libraries to ask if they own or have owned 30 specific titles accessible to patrons under age 18 that the board member finds objectionable. Responses are due by April 2. “Your voluntary cooperation is requested,” the email said.
When I heard about the controversial book "Wishtree" in a county near me, I purchased the book, read it in one sitting, and was moved, charmed, entertained, and throughout wondered how anyone could find any controversy here. However; were it not for the controversy, I probably would have never heard of, or read this book. It is a sweet, heartwarming story about inclusion, tolerance, and friendship; things we as a society seem falling very short on. I will read the book again and again and cannot wait to read it to my grandchildren. To the person who began this controversy, thank you for bringing it to my attention. Having said that, it must be very difficult living with the kind of fear and hate that would make you condemn something so innocent and wonderful. If you abandoned this book based on one ignorant, intolerant, hateful person's opinion, pick it back up, read it and be completely charmed.
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