Comments on: Not for the Faint of Heart

By: Reading on Narnia Winter Nights « Seriouswhimsey’s Weblog

Reading on Narnia Winter Nights « Seriouswhimsey’s Weblog — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 05:04:20 +0000

[...] Based on my previous experience with libraries, book stores and (shudder) school book fairs, (see: Not for the Faint of Heart ), I honestly never knew such rich resources [...]

By: Shannon

Shannon — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 20:55:16 +0000

Looks like I’m probably the minority opinion, but I’m going to have to say – if he spent his own money and he was interacting with the book, let him keep it. And I certainly don’t think it’s appropriate to go to the school and demand that it’s removed from sales or even the library, if they were to have a copy. That attitude is how we end up with banned book lists. There is a real world out there and if they’re learning about it in a literary sense, then more power to them.

Perhaps take an opportunity to use this as a lesson for a child rather than a discipline only event. Lessons will bring children closer in, as they’d like to learn – discipline just puts you on “the other side”.

By: Ericka

Ericka — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:08:23 +0000

JL,
I’m chuckling because I went through this with my first son.
My second son has read both Wimpy books, The Day My Butt Exploded AND all the Captain Underpants series.
I can’t wait to see what the third boy will read.
Have I ‘lowered’ my standards! Probably, but my two olders sons have turned into awesome readers and reading some really cool books now. (5th grade – middle, 8th grade – oldest) that have nothing to do with boogers, butts or puking.
Personally, I LOVE the book fairs and know first hand all the work that goes into them.

By: Carolyn

Carolyn — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 04:17:06 +0000

WOW, that is so unreal! I am so glad you stood up and said something! There needs to be more moms out there like you! Good job mom!

By: Emily

Emily — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:39:21 +0000

I would have done the exact same thing. Good Job Mom!
On another note, why do I have to fill in everything to make a comment. On your old blog it knew who I was and some how filled it in for me. Any tips?

By: Sarah (Real Life)

Sarah (Real Life) — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:33:09 +0000

Yes, I must chime in and say that there is a difference between “banning” books, and a school/parents making discretionary decisions about what is appropriate for their students/kids.

If the govt came in and said that it is against the law to read that book– THAT is banning. If a school makes a decision not to offer it at their particular school, that is certainly not banning the book! One can go to the local public library and read it for free.

IMO, schools refusing to draw distinctions between socially acceptable/beneficial behavior is part of society’s problem. Making judgements about content appropriateness is not always bad, in fact is necessary for a functioning society.

Just My opinion. Anyone is free by law to say anything, but schools/parents have a right to decide what they want to promote.

By: Jennifer, Snapshot

Jennifer, Snapshot — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 16:11:47 +0000

Just so you know, you’re now a book banner and making first amendment rights look bad.

Yup — any time a parent says that a book isn’t age-appropriate, they’re slapped with the “Censorship” label. When the “Banned Books Week” comes around, they site those instances on books. Isn’t that ridiculous?

By: nicole

nicole — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 13:57:14 +0000

Gross. I worked the Book Fair at my girls’ school. There were several things I didn’t love to see on the shelves, but nothing like that I don’t think. They sell a lot of junk–key chains, stickers, novelty items–stuff unrelated to books. I shopped with my girls to make sure they bought approved stuff. My oldest wanted Camp Rock stuff, but I’m that Mom who won’t let her watch it yet. She’s 7! She can watch shows about high schoolers when she is a little older. She doesn’t like it, but she adjusts.

Good for you for speaking up!

By: Grace

Grace — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 07:00:21 +0000

P.S. The site I posted above is fine, but I meant to post the home page of Sonlight Curriculum, which is: http://www.sonlight.com/?aid=CD164 I encourage you to ask for their catalog. Their selection of books is fabulous. Even I loved reading many of them!

By: Grace

Grace — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 06:41:59 +0000

That book sounds not only disgusting but degrading. There are quality books available, which boys will read. My sons, who did not normally enjoy reading, could not put down books which we got from: http://www.homeschool-curriculum-for-life.com/sonlight-curriculum.html It’s a fantastic source for quality literature for students. I respectfully submit that we do not have to settle for junk just to get our sons to read.