American LibrariesSearch American Libraries  |
||
Site Navigation
Left Sidebar Items |
||
Shell Lady Still Nestles in Wyoming SchoolsA reconsideration committee for the Campbell County (Wyo.) School District voted 11–2 December 3 to keep C. S. Adler’s The Shell Lady’s Daughter districtwide. Parent Sarah Foster challenged the book after her daughter read it in 2006 when she was a 4th-grader at Wagonwheel Elementary School, the Gillette News-Record reported December 4, arguing that the book’s discussion of sexual thoughts and actions, lying to parents, and suicide were inappropriate for elementary-school students. “Young women need to be cautious, but The Shell Lady’s Daughter teaches girls to throw caution to the wind,” she said. The four people who spoke at the reconsideration committee meeting disagreed. “Young girls experience many of the challenges the protagonist faced, such as protecting themselves against unwanted physical contact, warning and wondering about their bodies, and dealing with depression,” observed Mary Wegher, Wagonwheel library media specialist. Wegher also shared an e-mail she received from the author in support of the book. “I personally can’t see how [the book] would harm a child,” Adler wrote. “When an author tries to deal with a serious subject, researches it, bases it on experience, and handles it to the best of his or her ability, it seems a shame that such a book should be banned.” Foster, who was lauded by committee members for expressing her concerns, said she would not challenge the decision, but would explore alternate education options for her children. Posted December 11, 2007. |
Right Sidebar
|
|
