OPINION
DISHEARTENED BY BOOK REMOVAL
I was very disheartened to hear a single individual has prevailed in having a graphic novel, “Little Rock Nine” by author Marshall Poe, removed from all of Wakulla County elementary schools. The complaint was made on the grounds that the subject matter was “too intense” for all elementary school students.
Even though the book was found to be historically accurate, the examining committee wrote the material covered was inappropriate for all students, K-5th grade, and might engender feelings of discomfort or be disturbing. It was recommended the item be added to middle and high school libraries, even though the reading grade level was at the elementary level (that raises concerns on its own).
Let me present my own “bonafides” on this issue: I have a BA in History, emphasis on history of the American South; a BA in Library Science; a MS in Library Science; many hours of advanced library studies; nearly 30 years of experience as a public library administrator with 2 years as a children’s program coordinator, and eight years service on the Wakulla County School Board.
I would posit to you that our trained Media Specialists, teachers and administrators are better equipped to decide which materials are appropriate for our elementary school Libraries. How does a single individual get to make a complaint against an item that is deemed “historically accurate” and cause it to be removed from the collection?
I inquired as to whether or not another “concerned citizen” could challenge the decision to remove the item, and was told there is no procedure to do that. Perhaps that could be enacted?
It seems obvious the subject matter of the book and the very fact that it IS historically accurate triggered the campaign to have it censored. Frankly, as a mother of four children who came through Wakulla County Schools, as well as three grandchildren currently enrolled in our schools, I am angry at an attempt to prevent students from knowing accurate history.
As to this being “too intense” for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade psyches, allow me to remind you, many people my age actually lived through Jim Crow. We WERE 3rd, 4th and 5th graders watching history happen every night on our nightly news. Just like our current 3rd, 4th and 5th graders see school after school endure mass shootings where other 3rd, 4th and 5th graders are butchered.
All of our citizens who agree with me that “those who don’t learn history are doomed to repeat it” will be happy to hear I have ordered three copies of “Little Rock Nine”. I checked with the Wakulla County Public Library to see if they currently have a copy of this item; they do not. But they were happy to accept a donated copy from me.
The other two copies will be given to my grandchildren, currently 3rd and 5th grade, and 6th grade. Should they wish to read this book, they will be able to do so. I am not afraid for my beloved grandchildren to know accurate history. Indeed, I will make every effort to make historically accurate information available to them.
Respectfully,
Verna Brock
Wakulla Station