moment #2

I read most of the first chapter online this morning after reading your post.

I remember reading "Go Ask Alice"' when I was in Jr High. We were supposed to have parental permission to check it out. My friend had permission, and I borrowed it from her to read. It was less exciting than I expected it to be. The hype around it was so much, that I expected more. I didn't think it was worth it.

This book, 'Crooked Little Vein,' seems pretty over the top. I'll answer your questions though...remember, I'm pretty conservative.

Okay for high school library? Um, I wouldn't want my kid reading it, but I suppose they have a right to have it in the library. I'm not for banning books at all.

OKay for assigned reading to english students? NO! It's one thing for a student or parent to CHOOSE to read this book, it's another to have it forced on you! I would also question WHY the teacher is assigning this book. What is the value? Can this lesson be taught via another text? What is the purpose of assigning this exact book to the students?

Okay for teacher to read aloud to class? NO! See above

OKay for teacher to check out of library and read at her desk personally? Probably not, but I'd call this a gray area. She can read anything she wants, you know?

Okay for teacher to check out of library and have available in her classroom for students? Not if this is a 'parental note' type book. If it's on the regular shelf, and the kids can get it any time they want anyway, then fine...

Should parents have to sign off on novels their kids are assigned to read in high school? Any level? Or ones the teacher reads to the class? I think if there is anything controversial in the book, then yes, the parents should be at least INFORMED of the books that the students will be reading. Parental sign off would be nice, too, but a simple list of books at the beginning of term that students would be exposed to would be something I would like to see. If the teacher does NOT want to give a list of books that would be covered, WHY NOT?

Do you know if this book is in your school's library? What do you think about that?
I have no idea. My son is only 6, almost 7. I have heard rumors about our local High School, though. A few years ago, they were studying Dan Brown and being taught that his book was factual and using it to 'teach' about the Catholic Church when it has a very anti-Catholic theme. It wouldn't surprise me that they have "Crooked Little Vein' and/or are requiring it for reading.