Fairfax County Schools
to Retain YA Novel
The Fairfax (Va.) County School Board has rejected a parent’s request to remove On the Devil’s Court by Carl Deuker from the Virginia Run Elementary School library.
Victoria McGrath contended that the subject matter of the novel, which concerns a 17-year-old struggling with feelings of inadequacy who is willing to sell his soul for basketball prowess, is inappropriate for preteens. However, the board voted 5–3 August 11 that the book was suitable for mature sixth-graders.
The Washington Post reported August 12 that the book is held in several county middle and high schools, as well as three elementary schools, where it is kept in a separate section reserved for sixth-grade use.
McGrath’s complaint maintained that the book “advocates the devil’s use of power over a child” and should not be available through a school library. She also said the book presents women in a negative and derogatory manner; disrespects teachers and parents; and promotes negative behavior such as smoking, drinking, and graffiti painting.
Posted August 16, 1999.
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