Date Comment
Thank you to all who have written. We are working to read, verify, and respond to all messages.

Note, however, that we will NOT be posting any comments from those of you who choose to use profanity in your messages. Think about it.

Also, we do not intend to post comments from minors, comments from people who insist this issue is about book banning, or comments from anyone who claims they know how we are raising our children. The latter two groups disqualify themselves from an honest debate of the real issues with their off-topic and false claims. And while we definitely care about what the students think, we created this Web site for parents, taxpayers, and other adults who are ultimately responsible for the textbook selection decisions at the public school. Finally, if you sent us a comment that includes questions or requires clarifications of the issues, we'll respond to it as soon as we can.

Thanks, classkc.org
9/17/05 Editor's Note: The following e-mail is long and the author is unknown. We still chose to post the e-mail and our response below.

After a long day at school (I teach Junior English at a public school), I have been reading over your suggestions for books to teach, and would like to challenge each and every one of you proposing these books to try teaching Ivanhoe or The Last of the Mohicans to a class of 28. I should mention that in this class of 28, nine students are on special education IEPs and read at anywhere between a first and fifth grade level, five are regular ed. students, but cannot write a sentence and read at about a third grade level, four are emotionally disturbed and have things other than "great, quality literature" on their minds when they go home at night (I doubt they'll spend hours engrossed in these books you suggest...), four are diagnosed with ADHD and become increasingly agitated and upset when they cannot find success in the classroom, and six are perfectly capable of reading the book. Of those six, however, four have been completely turned off of reading because they have be enforced for their entire academic lives to read things that they have no modern interest in whatsoever, and no matter how much a teacher connects the content to their modern lives while they are in the classroom, when they sit down to read at night or even in the classroom, the language completely turns them off. This is not a fictional situation; this is reality. If you would like your children to read Ivanhoe, then purchase the book for them. Public school teachers are responsible for educating ALL students from ALL backgrounds and ALL home situations. It is a proven fact that when students see themselves in literature, they are more likely to read, more likely to ENJOY reading (which, as far as I'm concerned, is a goal of mine as an English teacher...to create lifelong readers out of all my students and not merely the ones who can read at a 13th grade level when they are Juniors in high school), and more likely to in turn, gain the skills needed to pass the state reading assessment. (This must be a bottom line for the public schools these days, given the NCLB requirements that ALL STUDENTS, regardless of ability level, WILL BE PROFICIENT.)

Editor's Response: Our heart does go out to anyone who is teaching to the wide range of abilities that you are describing. And that's another issue (passing kids from grade to grade without grade-level skills) that we aren't really addressing at our Web site. But in regard to the issues that we are addressing, we want to know why you are criticizing Ivanhoe and The Last of the Mohicans as not worthy suggestions for compulsory reading?. If this is a valid criticism of our suggestions on the petition of higher quality literature to be considered, why aren't you also criticizing some of the books that the school is already using, books such as Crime and Punishment, Homer's Odyssey, and anything by Shakespeare that contains difficult language? Or are you saying that there is no place for the use of classic or non-contemporary literature in mainstream public education?

Schools and teachers should always give the option of opting out of books you personally find offensive or too vulgar for your children. I have read on your site that members of your group were upset when the teacher offered an alternative that was at a considerably higher level of difficulty than that of the book the other students were reading. I guess I don't understand why that is a problem for you, if you want your children to read high-brow, more complex literature anyway.

Editor's Repsonse: Regarding alternatives -- our problem isn't that the kids have to Great Expectations (a book that is commonly used when an alternative as a 9th grader is requested), but rather, the hypocrisy that surrounds the process. Our school promotes alternatives as a "fair" process (What's your problem, just ask for an alternative?) but these assignments turn out to be three times as long and as difficult, with little or no any teacher support, and lots of social issues such as being embarrassed and singled out in the classroom. Why couldn't the teacher simply choose a non-sexualized, high quality title in the first place?? Or, if alternatives are so easy and "fair," why can't the parents of the kids who want to read the sexualized literature be the ones who have to ask for an alternative??
/br> I do realize that these books have questionable language and content, and if I were teaching these books, I would certainly teach the students to handle it in a mature way, just as they should ANY questionable content they encounter. Native Son, for instance, is an excellent book and brings up many issues that interes t students; race relations that are still very much alive (regardless of how much we wish to deny it), gang violence (which we can teach the negative effects of through this book...look where it gets Bigger), etc. You seem to believe that teachers who are teaching these books are condoning the content of them, which I'm sure is completely absurd. Do you honestly think that a teacher is going to design a lesson plan promoting rape and murder because, "Well, students, that's what Bigger does, so it must be right." Now here's your assignment: go out this weekend and do one thing that Bigger does in this novel. Have a great time!" That is TOTALLY ridiculous!

Editor's Response: We also do not believe, nor have ever said, that all teachers condone the bad behavior in some of the books. The truth of the matter, however, is that until the existence of our Web site, the explicit sex and profanity in some of the books has been hidden for years from the public and parents. Yes, you always have the option to read a novel with your kids as we have. But no, most parents do not do that because they make the very basic and reasonable assumption that no one in the public school system would deem content such as bestiality appropriate compulsory reading for minor kids in a public school classroom. As one person who wrote to us stated, "If your neighbor were giving books to your teenager with explicit and perverted sex behind your back, what would you do? I think you'd call the police."

Editor's Final Comment: Thanks for writing. We hope you write back, but please try to refrain from making comments about our kids. That pretty much guarantees that your comment will not be posted. This time, we simply deleted that part of your message from the posting.
9/15/05 I do not live in your state, but have a similar situation with inappropriate books being assigned in my district. I'm afraid I'm quite alone here in my quest to change things. I wanted to write and let you know how much I appreciate the information you have provided on this website. It has been invaluable to me in allowing me to know about these books BEFORE my 14 year old son read them. Sadly, we have had to pull him from the advanced class due to the nature of the required reading. If it were not for this site and PABBIS, I would be in the dark about these issues. Thanks so much for your efforts. I hope it gives you some hope to know that your website has been beneficial to someone else dealing with the same thing. When we stand up for what is right, we help more than our own children - sometimes we help people we will never meet. Such is the case here. Thank you once again for the efforts of all involved. I do hope you are successful and would be happy to support your efforts were I living within your district.
9/14/05Keep up the good work!
9/14/05Great review of Stotan. I read it last year with my son and agree completely with your observations.
9/14/05Last year my son's teacher made the alternative process extremely difficult. This year my son's teacher is not using any of the trashy books on the District's approved list!
9/2/05I am really concerned that I found the book Doing It in my child's middle school library (Harmony Middle School).
8/26/05Go to the American Library Association ALA site and read their policy www.ala.org. It provides "NO" restrictions, all ages can access all materials. This is what librarians and English teachers believe.
8/19/05Take great faith in the efforts you have started. If it wasn't for you, my kids may be exposed to things my wife and I would not want them to read because we were ignorant of the quality of reading materials present in our school.
8/18/05Thank you for continuing to review the material kids are reading, which we should all do as good parents. It is becoming obvious to me that publishers (and now teachers) will push and protect any book that is popular for any reason, especially to the unsuspecting teenage or YA market that is basically defenseless. And sex sells.
8/18/05I am disappointed at the books in our schools. A book called 'Doing It' in the Harmony middle school library has me concerned! Why would a librarian choose this book for their collection?!
8/17/05Thank you for exposing the school district's attempts to indoctrinate the children. I hope more and more parents make the effort to know what their children are being asked to read. Maybe a few will take the time to read them before the kids do and opt out.
8/17/05The language and descriptions in these books is vulgar, indecent and unnecessary. The themes, that are not emphasized, are what concerned me in the books I read. Are children to believe that all families are dysfunctional, it's OK to break the law if you think your cause is just, all Caucasians are vicious racists, all blacks are promiscuous and the Communist Party helped blacks earn equality, etc., etc.
8/13/05Just a quick "THANK YOU!" for all of your hard work, your perseverance and your steadfast courage .
7/25/05I read about the books and stories that concerned patrons are challenging in your district. I couldn't believe the book titles and subject matter! It will be interesting to see if the school board will have the guts to do the right thing and remove any of them from the curriculum. It will also be interesting to see how the individual school board members vote on the issue. These votes should be remembered when the next election occurs.
7/22/05Do you know anything about the people on the school board? I want to make sure I know who people are that will uphold what I believe in and what our children deserve!!
7/21/05What about litigation? Sometimes that is the only message some people understand.
7/17/05Toni Morrison's books are clearly intended for an adult audience. I would not recommend them to anyone under 18.
6/23/05The 2005 summer reading lists show a "bait and switch" tactic -- some of those books are NOT on Blue Valley's list of approved books. The school board has no control and there is no accountability.
6/23/05Some of these books are just Danielle-Steele type pap. Bah...
6/22/05 I did e-mail one of the board members of your district ... Saying these particular books are necessary for teaching certain styles of writing, etc., makes as much sense as saying a number 2 pencil is necessary for teaching how to print your name. After reading and hearing four letter words enough--they become the norm. I would really like to hear a conversation between teens that didn't contain so many of them.
6/8/05I find the required literature books outrageous. Who in their right mind would consider them great literature?? They're porn!

Editor's Note: We have received several emails from physicians and PhDs with similar messages to this one.
5/22/05 While I am only 29 years old and not yet a parent of a child at Blue Valley, I have been informed of the poor choices the school district is making in regards to reading lists for their students. I am absolutely appalled that our young people are being exposed to (and encouraged to read) literary works containing such profanity, sexual themes, and violence. I never read such things as a high school student or even as a college student. I have since completed my PhD and will earn my MD in the coming year, and never once have I "needed" to know these listed "classics" to succeed. I feel the school district is doing a great, great disservice to its young people when it promotes such filth. This does not encourage excellence in our students but instead tells them to subject themselves and their minds to the worst that this world and society has to offer. I would hope that we would all want something much better for our young people who are in fact, the future of our nation.
5/19/05So the school board doesn't like it when parents go to the meetings and read directly out of the offensive books, huh? Hypocrites!
5/19/05We were hoping to move into the Blue Valley District based on educational excellence. These books change that picture! This should not be allowed in any school whether I live in the district or not. These books provide images and thoughts of behavior that is devoid of human decency. People are convicted and imprisoned for many of these acts!
5/12/05Read a great article today regarding keeping kids from being exposed to immoral things. Best point of the article was, "The opposite of innocence is not maturity; it is worldliness. And worldliness doesn't better equip a child to cope with the world. It just makes him more likely to be comfortable with it."
5/1/05Thank you for identifying what is REALLY in these books. This is a great parent resource! But note that assigning f-word-filled books is not limited to the Blue Valley school district. My nephew in the Olathe school district had to read Black Boy in seventh grade English class!
4/29/05The teachers who have assigned Beloved or Rape Fantasies should not only be fired, they should be arrested.
4/27/05I am at a loss as to why you would try not to name the teachers (who assign these books). Is the book assigned by the teacher or the principal or the school board? It seems to me whoever assigned it needs to be named. ... I would be all over the teacher and or school who assigned it or even allowed it to be picked by a student if not directly assigned. Where are the parents of these children?
4/26/05I heard about BV parents wanting to "ban books" and became interested. I mean book banning, aren't we above this? How ridiculous. Shame on those parents for doing such a thing.

After reading some of the excerpts from the books, I quickly changed my opinion. The foul language doesn't bother me. I'm sure you would hear the same language in the halls everyday, I even used it myself. But, the situations depicted in the books are something completely different.

I would like to know how the books were picked, why do we need to read these books? The one that turned my stomach was The Bluest Eye. How does this benefit us? Do we need to debate the thoughts of a man intent on raping his own daughter? Why not debate the recent events about the girls that have been abducted, raped, and killed in Florida? Are these books important because they are modern literature? Do the kids really need to keep their finger on the pulse of modern culture in this fashion?

I'm sure it wouldn't go over well if these books were openly discussed in the halls in front of other teachers. Especially the scene where the father contemplates raping the daughter in the The Bluest Eye. The educators have put the text in front of the kids, what would they think about hearing the text discussed outside of the classroom. That is their goal isn't it. Provide the kids with new ways of thinking that they can take with them outside of the classroom. Why limit the discussion to just the classroom?

For those that want to rock the boat, encourage your kids to discuss the books outside of the classroom. I'm sure the reply from the educators would suggest that there are appropriate times and places to discuss such things, and outside of the classroom is not appropriate. But, they did put the words into the minds of the kids. Minds that have to carry those words outside of the classroom.

Hold the educators responsible for their reasons to pick the books. See if they are up for the debate.

Editor's note: Thank you for your comments. In The Bluest Eye, the father not only contemplates it but DOES rape his little girl. This book is written by Toni Morrison, the author of both Song of Solomon and Beloved, two other books with great amounts of profanity, sex with children, and occultism that Blue Valley uses as Communication Arts textbooks. Yes, we would also very much like to have an honest debate with the people who are assigning these books as to why they were selected. Unfortunately, because the school has never followed their textbook selection policies, but rather, allowed the teachers to select any book without any accountability for that decision, they are also unwilling to openly explain their past decisions. And please also note that while concerned parents are often cast as "book banners," the truth is that we have never asked to "ban" any book from any school library. We have always tried to keep the discussion focused on what constitutes high quality required English textbooks.)
4/5/05 I was a proud parent at the Blue Valley School district, but I have pulled my children out and have begun a home-schooling program (http://www.classicalcurriculum.com). It is a much more rigorous and serious program, of which the curriculum is more akin to a serious preparatory school environment. Thanks for what you are doing. If the Blue Valley School District ever re-implements a serious curriculum, maybe I'll reconsider reenrolling my children.
4/3/05Yes, as a parent in the BV district, please add my name to the petition indicating my desire that books with obscene language or sexually inappropriate material should not be required reading for any students in the Blue Valley school district. As substitutes, there are a number of books that develop critical thinking and are rich in literary style. It is not necessary to choose materials that desensitize the reader to aberrant behaviors. TV and newspapers do a splendid job chronicling our lowest acts of humanity, without help from literature with no moral framework.
4/2/05 Sheila Schwartz is a member of the American Humanist Association, and her article "Adolescent Literature: Humanism Is Alive and Thriving in the Secondary School" appeared in the January/February 1976 edition of The Humanist. In regard to the impact of secular humanist thought in education, she makes the following statements:

Something wonderful, free, unheralded, and of significance to all humanists is happening in the secondary schools. It is the adolescent-literature movement ... Nothing that is part of contemporary life is taboo in this genre and any valid piece of writing that helps make the world more knowable to young people serves an important humanistic function.(16)
3/23/05 The problem with using contemporary authors as examples of great literature is that their motivation for writing books (as well as their publishers who heap award after award on these books) is completely corrupted by the power of MONEY. Toni Morrison, for example, may truly be an incredibly skilled author, but look at what she teaches us about black culture. Her book Beloved takes place in the 1800s and Song of Solomon in the 1900s...yet what common part of black culture do we learn from these two books set apart by 100 years of history? For one thing we learn that black men have such insatiable sexual appetites, that regular sexual contact with animals is normal. As a black, I can tell you that this is not part of MY culture, and no white person could ever write a novel that promoted this "culture" without being justifiably labeled a racist. Yet that is overlooked because Toni is black, she is showered with awards, and the money keeps rolling in. I wish we could get beyond the black and white issue and see this as a humanity issue. Is this what we want to teach children about PEOPLE? That it's good or normal to desire and have sex with ANIMALS? Do we really think these textbooks are "school ready?" Or should we stand up to the publishers and authors who are using our kids to pad their own wallets? I do not think this is about blacks or whites, even though that argument is used to successfully derail everyone's attention. If any color, this problem is GREEN. It's about the power and seduction of MONEY.
3/22/05 Ever thought of asking for the BOE's resignation? Their refusal to directly respond to 600 taxpayer requests to replace 14 books with higher quality choices is irresponsible to the point that they have rendered themselves useless!
3/9/05 The excerpts make me ill. ... Knowing such issues would arise and the track record of inaction by those given authority, my kids are safely and happily in private school reading "great books."
2/26/05 This reminds me of the play "Denity Crisis," written by Christopher Durang that deals with incest and the play "Equus" that deals with torture of animals as well as bestiality. These plays were taught to high schoolers in the Blue Valley school district in the 2000-2001 timeframe. In both cases, the district responded with comments that the parents should be more open-minded and should not keep their children hidden from the world.

They don't want to let people on the opposite end of the spectrum impose their values and their views on them, but it seems they want to have an opportunity to impose their values and views on others. It seems they want to get their agenda across and they don't seem to want others to have an opportunity to provide balance.
2/22/05 The "teachers" who are requiring this reading material must be summarily discharged, without recourse, without benefits.
2/21/05 I would ask that BV replace these current vulgar reading choices with material that better typifies the sort of values, mindset, and behavior that most parents seek to foster and encourage in their children...literature that elevates rather than discourages good character formation; that ennobles rather than degrades those who read it. I would request that a reading list that is grounded in the 'classics' be formulated as required reading. The current selections are what I would characterize as being so predominantly base / vulgar, that I as an adult would never choose to read them; how much less do I want to promote such reading / ideas in the lives of my children (whether implicitly or explicitly), whose moral development has occupied such a huge portion of my time and emotional investment. This sort of material utterly undermines what we as parents are attempting to accomplish . . . I do not wish to have either my children or the society that we live in be further shaped by the vulgar and nihilistic worldview that is inevitably promoted by the reading of such material.
2/19/05 Whoever put a link up to the elite reading list site http://www.optimates.us/Greatbooks.htm thank you very much. It has provided much food for thought, and has made me realize how low our standards are in this school district.

One thing that also amazes me is how at public schools like ours most of the teachers and principals have degrees in "education," which is a joke at elite schools. Top-tier prep schools will not even hire anyone with a degree in "education" - maybe because they prescribe stupid reading lists like at BVSD? - but rather hire people with graduate degrees in real subjects.

I think we need to rethink the whole school district's approach.
2/18/05Yes, as a parent in the BV district, please add my name to the petition indicating my desire that books with obscene language or sexually inappropriate material should not be required reading for any students in the Blue Valley school district. As substitutes, there are a number of books that develop critical thinking and are rich in literary style. It is not necessary to choose materials that desensitize the reader to aberrant behaviors. TV and newspapers do a splendid job chronicling our lowest acts of humanity, without help from literature with no moral framework.
2/16/05 My problem is that most of the books you list as alternatives are old, dry and boring. I love reading and have grown up reading all different sorts of material. I have also been punished for reading this material at times, almost suspended from my catholic school for reading "The Catcher in the Rye" in fifth grade. I think that the books the school has chosen are there because the english teachers believe them to be of value and interesting to the students. If you force the students to read nothing but Dickens, Shakespeare, Joyce, Melville and the others you listed I think it will turn a lot of students off reading and off English class. I know enough kids who depend on Cliff Notes and other sources instead of reading books because they are too long, dry and have very little to do with their current lives. Also the students I know at Blue Valley North and Blue Valley Northwest have to deal with vulgar language and sexuality every day so a little bit of that content in an artistic setting isn't going to hurt them anymore than watching MTV is. I'm glad you are taking an active voice in your students scholastic career but I just wish you would allow my sister to read what she wants to read instead of forcing her to read these boring classics. Trust me you will be forced to read enough of them in college that you will long for the days in high school where you could read something more current and have a lively discussion with your peers about them.

Editor's Note: First, we are recommending many more good books beyond Dickens, Shakespeare, Joyce, and Melville. There are hundreds of great books to choose from -- our point is why would we spend our children's precious time on so many low quality titles? Check out some of our recommendations at www.classkc.org/goodbooks.php.

Secondly, there are many ways to teach literature in ways that go beyond Cliff Notes and other sources. If a teacher can't figure that out, they really shouldn't be in the classroom.

Thirdly, think back to your own favorite teacher. What was the subject? Biology, chemistry, math? A GREAT TEACHER can make any subject they truly love and understand, exciting and meaningful to the students.

And finally, we think that the fact that BV students DO get sex and profanity shoved in their faces in so many different venues such as TV, movies, and the Internet is actually a reason why the English classroom should NOT be a place where they also have to deal with sexual pressure. Deviant SEX (such as bestiality in Beloved and 12 other types of deviant sex in Song of Solomon) is NOT a part of the official Kansas state English requirements for high schoolers. Blue Valley has injected these "life lesson" topics on their own. Do you not also see that some students are extremely uncomfortable, embarrassed, and also sexually stimulated by this? What does reading about Rape Fantasies have to do with the goals of an ENGLISH class? And why doesn't the school think it is important to proactively involve the parents in the education of these tough subjects? Why have they gone to such great lengths to hide this content from the public? Thank you for writing.
2/16/05 I would like to sign the petition. I encourage all the parents to take this stand now to protect our children as it is our job to do. I say our children because we must help each other to protect all the kids and especially the ones whose parents are unable or unwilling to do the right thing. One day these children will be running the country and what kind of country will it be if they are marinated in perversion? ... This is our job as parents and the media and the public schools are making it very difficult to raise respectful, responsible children.
2/16/05 Are the excerpts from the books clips? In other words, are they continually sequenced as they appear on the site? If so, it would greatly lend to the credibility if there were page numbers. I know it may sound trite, but showing that level of detail, presents that much more evidence of accuracy.

Also, I voted no on the second opinion question, because even if I am outnumbered in a vote, I don't want my tax dollars paying for some other childs access to trash.

Editor's Note: Yes, all of the excerpts are directly from the books (we couldn't possibly make this stuff up). Page numbers are also a good idea, but there are often more than one copy of the book (hard back, paperback) that would throw the numbers off. Still, that is another good idea that we could possibly undertake using the version of the book that is given to the kids by the Blue Valley school district as an English textbook. Thank you for writing.
2/8/05 I have grandchildren in the Blue Valley district and I am absolutely disgusted that you would expect them to read this trash. They are children and should be exposed to better values. I have read excerpts from these books on this site and cannot believe that you think this is "good" literature. With all the wonderful books out there you (Blue Valley) can surely come up with something else. I do not believe in censorship but I do believe in encouraging our children to read the best. Our society is inundated with trashy TV, movies and now you expect them to read and discuss these obscene, vulgar books.
2/2/05After the interview of Chris Crutcher in the Sun I did a little research on him. Chris Crutcher's Stotan, one of the books the parents are petitioning, is written at a 7th grade reading level. No wonder the high school kids like it -- it's a teenage sex story -- a fast read. Are his books used in ANY other school as required reading? Blue Valley looks pretty stupid on this one. But hey, the teachers tell us the kids LIKE IT.
2/1/05 I think that there are alternate, more articulate writers, out there that can be used to express "current cultural views". If not, I think we as members of society need to improve our "current cultural views".
2/1/05 There are more than enough appropriate books the school system can choose from. Ask the teachers if they would approve their children reading some of the books on the 'approved' booklist. This can not be just a parent issue, the teachers should also be outraged. R and X-rated clothing is not allowed in schools, why is the literature?
2/1/05 I would like to express my outrage for people like you. Any lack in our society's progress is to be blamed on the overtly conservative ideals for which you stand. The books for which you have expressed concern, in fact, offer enlightening views on the world around us. It seems to have escaped most Kansans' mind, but the real world does not revolve around shallow, sanctimonious rhetoric, but rather, art and literature that helps shed light on ALL aspects of life, not simply the ones with which we are comfortable. I have since left my home state to pursue studies on the east coast, where people have learned to open their minds to multimple ideals, not simply their own. I encourage you to someday do the same.

Editor's Note: The notion that there is no right nor wrong, nor anything age inappropriate, nor any "differences" that are not to be celebrated and accepted equally by all is a common theme among some of the angry comments we've received. We would disagree that subjects such as bestiality, promoted in both Song of Solomon and Beloved, is an "enlightening view on the world around us."
2/1/05 I have been teaching high school since 1965, and I have seen a lot of stupid things go on in the name of education. The dumbest (or worst) is the introduction of sleazy literature in the English curriculum. Kids get enough dirt and smut off the TV and rap music; it seems ridiculous to purposely drag it into the school room under the guise of cultural honesty or some other subterfuge. I strongly support removal of vulgar and sexually explicit materials of all kinds from the schools. The schools are one of the last bastions of decency in this era of cultural decline, and I feel they have a duty to hold the line against the movement away from what used to be standards of common courtesy. Simply, we owe our children the BEST that our society has to offer. Much of this questionable stuff is not the best.
2/1/05Editor's Note: The following comment is long, but we feel it is worth posting in its entirety. We agree with his sentiments and have attempted to shine some light on higher quality literature choices with suggested classical replacements on the petition. Still, his point that we are focusing too much on contemporary vulgar titles and not emphasizing the great classics, comes with a great deal of credibility and logic, and we THANK HIM for taking the time to write to us with such meaningful messages. --classkc.org

********

I agree with what you are doing, but I think you are going about it in the wrong way. I have been involved with these debates for some time. To give you an idea of my credentials, I have an MA from a top-tier university, and have worked as a consultant for many traditional parent educators.

Instead of emphasizing vulgarity - of which many will want to contest standards - you should emphasize quality. Most of the books on your list are written in English and are from the 20th Century. This in itself is a problem and also indicative of an inferior school district. If you look at the top 20 high schools / academies in the United States, they have very rigorous curricula. Although most of these schools are located in the heart of liberal New England, they still by and large have more conservative curricula than most Midwest schools: that is, they offer a classical great-books approach to education.

In reality, there is no reason to read literature written in English during the 20th Century. This is very accessible material, very easy to read, and - like "social studies" - is a waste of time.

More rigorous schools do not even waste their time with such pulp. They start the kids on Latin in grade school and keep them in it throughout high school, supplement this with some Classical / Biblical Greek, French, German and Italian. While parents at Blue Valley are arguing about whether to read some insignificant 20th-century author, students at top-tier schools are reading Virgil, Horace, and Livy in the original language.

I agree that many of the books on your list are "offensive," but not because of language, but because they are symbolic of the decline in education. Great masters like Virgil, Horace, Livy, Augustine, Dante, & Shakespeare are being replaced by fluff like McCarthy, Woodward, Walker and Angelou. This, at least to one who loves the Western Canon, is the greatest offense of all.

If you want to see a sample reading list of what many are reading at very elite yet traditional prep schools (e.g. Roxbury Latin, Eagle Ridge Academy, Veritas, etc.), see the list: http://www.optimates.us/Greatbooks.htm

In short, I think this campaign as too much of a micro approach, when the approach should be more thorough. Instead of attacking the vulgarity of insignificant 20th-century authors like Angelou, one should argue that all these 20th-century mediocre writers should be removed and replaced with a traditional great-books reading list. (emphasis ours)

I am not saying that there are not valuable 20th-century writers, but the point is that these authors write in English, write in an accessible prose, and any semi-literate person is able to read and comprehend their prose. The time that is being used currently to read this authors should be used to read more difficult authors, in their original language, where a teacher is actually needed as a guide to help the students through the difficult text.

Thank you for your time.
1/22/05THANK YOU again to all of you that have left comments and to those who have electronically signed the petition asking Blue Valley to replace 14 offensive required reading assignments with higher quality titles. We are in the process of working through those messages, and your support is sincerely appreciated.

Before posting the many encouraging and kind comments, however, we felt it was important to first respond to some of the comments we've received that are supportive of the offensive required reading assignments -- the books that promote deviant sex, profanity, and other adult content for minor children without proactively informing parents of this content. Our responses to those comments are summarized in the following three entries. Thanks again for writing to us.
1/22/05To those that have written to us about the role of the school (government) versus parents in the issue of knowing what is best for children...

...thank you for your insight. Yes, at times the debate does seem to be boiling down to that issue:

Who knows best in the moral education of children? The professionals at the school? (The government employees?) or The parents?

Who should be the one to determine when and how to discuss subjects such as teen sex, oral sex, sex with animals, incest, rape, and occultism with the kids?

Who should be the one to be able to have discussions about such subjects as teen sex with minor children behind the back of the other?

Where is the "safe environment" (home or school) in which kids should discuss these issues without the knowledge or consent of the other?
1/22/05To those that have written to us about the perils of sheltering our kids from the real world...

First, you have no idea how we raise our own children nor what we do and do not discuss within our own families. Therefore, you immediately discredit yourself from an honest debate by making claims you know nothing about. Furthermore, we have one important question we'd like you to think about.

If the Blue Valley school district is so proud of these choices, why have they, to date, worked so hard to hide the adult content from the parents?

(Please refer to the newly-updated review for Beloved for a taste of what our kids are facing -- a story that references sex with farm animals five times in the first two chapters of the book. This is the type of information Blue Valley has never thought was necessary or important to proactively share with parents.)
1/22/05To those that have written to us about The Giver...

...please note that this book is being discussed in the Blue SPRINGS, Missouri, school district, not in the Blue VALLEY school district in Kansas. classkc.org is reviewing high school books in the Blue VALLEY school district. Furthermore, The Giver is being debated in Blue Springs in relationship to its appropriateness as a book for Jr. High students. classkc.org is currently devoted to reviewing books at the high school level.
1/6/05 You have an uphill battle but still one worth the struggle. It is widely assumed that awards (like Newberry) are some kind of blanket endorsement of a book. A book can, in the mechanical sense, be well written (and thus get an award) while, in the moral sense, be unacceptable. Many of today's authors, most of those who hand out the awards, as well as many who assign the books are about shaping our childrens' views of the world and of life. Literature is a powerful tool to capture the imagination and hence the mind. Kids just don't need immoral, trashy stuff to stimulate critical thinking. Education can be accomplished decently and morally -- in ways that don't compromise childhood innocence or offend parents. The schools need to remember that the children belong to the parents -- not to the educators. And parents know best!
1/4/05How would you categorize these books? I guess they fall into the category of evil.
1/2/05Keep doing what you are doing! Where else can a parent get the truth about what is in these books? The schools do not provide this information.
12/28/04Neither Stotan, Mice and Men, nor Lord of the Flies seem appropriate (freshman) high school reading. Thanks for keeping up your website. What BV School District is assigning to high school classes is repulsive. It's disappointing that parents have been unable to stop it, but it's worth making every effort.
12/21/04I don't want our 11-year-old son to be forced or even asked to read that kind of trash. There are plenty of other books to choose from. Blue Valley is supposed to be anti-violent and promote a healthy learning environment.
12/20/04We have been trying to change this for 10 years!
12/18/04It's shocking what our world has come to.
12/17/04The problem of low quality textbooks isn't just a Communication Arts issue. Last week my son, only a 4th grader, came home with a social studies homework that consisted of answering several questions from the back of a chapter. After making little progress on his own, I sat down to help him. I can tell you that the answers to the questions were NOT in the book. After three hours on the Internet, we managed to find something to say for each question, but what a frustrating experience for everyone! I asked the teacher about it but she simply said she didn't know the answers weren't in the book. My neighbors who have kids in middle school have long lamented about the terrible math books that do not even show examples of how to work the problems. It's clear to me that many of the textbooks they use today are very poor quality, that some teachers just don't read the books themselves, and some teachers do not take the time to complete all of the homework they are asking their students to do. I APPLAUD you for taking the time to actually READ all of these books and providing a parental perspective. You have nothing to gain by doing this, only heartache. As parents, all of us should take the time to read the textbooks that our schools are sending home with our kids and THANK those who are doing this work for us.
12/11/04I have two Blue Valley high school children and I have asked for many alternatives over the years. Sometimes the kids have been treated very poorly in this process. The school certainly doesn't encourage students to think about what is a "good choice" for themselves, and does all it can to hide the fact that many of these books are highly offensive from parents. We've been told many times to 'trust us.' Since when did you TRUST an adult who introduced your children to new types of sex? It's ridiculous and I am so thrilled that someone is finally standing up and uniting all of us parents over the years who have hated some of these books but who have always been told by the school that we are the only ones with these concerns. Thank you for standing up for our kids!
12/10/04I am a mother of four adult children and 6 grandchildren. I am a certified teacher and have worked as a Paralegal and volunteer in the community. After reviewing some of the excerpts from these book, I really feel we owe our children MORE. Kids are influenced enough by vulgarism on TV, movies and recordings. I don't feel it's necessary to expose them to this type of filth in school. I strongly disagree with this form of educating our children in their formative years.
12/10/04 I have a daughter-in-law that teaches 9th grade English and Literature in the Blue Springs School District. I know that she would be appalled if she were required to teach the offensive material I have just read. We all wonder why our children have no moral values. Is it because we are requiring them to read material that exposes them to extreme pornography and violence???? I pray that my request to review and remove all violent and pornographic reading material be added to the list of concerned parents, grandparents and friends of all children in every school across the US. Thank you for allowing me to voice my concern.
12/9/04 I don't want you or anyone else to tell my children what they can and cannot read!

Editor's Note: Right! You are the parent. We agree and also want the parents in the loop! Currently, however, you are not involved in this decision because Blue Valley has never shared the content of these books with you prior to foisting it upon your children. Click here for a snapshot of some of the filthiest books assigned as required reading throughout the Blue Valley school system. Are there any Blue Valley parents who would knowingly choose this profane and sexually titillating material as required reading for their minor children?

Editor's Note, 2/1/05: We stand corrected. There ARE some Blue Valley parents who would knowingly choose this profane and sexually titillating material for their children. But they see no problem with forcing OUR kids to read/discuss this through the guise of the Blue Valley approved book list. Isn't it ironic that they are arguing AGAINST the very activity that is happening NOW?
12/7/04 In addition to the bad language, some of the books are just plain stupid which really makes you hate reading. (Former student)
12/7/04 I strongly oppose any books that are "required reading" for any students in the Blue Valley district that have strong sexual contact, violence, etc. These kids are just that-- still kids!!! They do not need to be exposed to anymore adult content than they already get from TV, video games, etc. Our school system should be trying to educate our children in a way that teaches them values, morals, and prepare them to go to college in a way they can feel good about themselves and respect themselves and their peers!

I cannot express how much this angers me and makes me wonder what kind of people think that teenagers are able to handle this kind of material and should even be exposed to that kind of material? Some adults do not even expose themselves to it! We do not even use the type of language in our home that is in all of these books! We do not say the F word, GD, the P word or any of the others listed! I just cannot believe that anyone thinks it is ok for our children to read language like this!! And then we wonder why there are kids with foul mouths, disrespect their parents, treat the opposite sex with disrespect and on and on!! These books only add to all of the above and make teenagers think it is ok to behave in a very inappropriate way-- they especially think it is ok if their schools are making them read books that influence them negatively!!! The more children (and adults) are around any kind of information, language, attitude, etc it influences those people even if they don't want it to! Subconsciously you start to think it is ok and this is NOT the kind of reading I want my children to be doing!!

Also, how can the Blue Valley system make this required reading when it goes against your own policies? Please get rid of these required readings and make them age appropriate and educational--- that is the point of school! I am literally sick to my stomach after reading portions of all of the books for the required reading for high schoolers!!
12/7/04You are in my prayers and thoughts, and I admire you and am very proud of the fight you are fighting.
12/6/04My child was just recently given a choice by the teacher between The Hot Zone and Friday Night Lights. Friday Night Lights is not on the district approved list. Both books are filled with bad words and disgusting material.

Editor's Note: We've been told by Blue Valley administrators that when teachers give kids the choice of two or more books to read, they do not have to follow the curriculum selection guidelines in policy 4600. This seems to be a deliberate side-stepping of the Board's directive.

11/15/04My question is this: What qualifies these teachers to 'educate' our kids on all of these subjects? Are they all trained counselors in teen sex, deviant sex, suicide, and depression???
10/6/04I read over the list of books and I am disgusted at what is being shown to students in the district. I support what you are doing here entirely.
9/19/04The Open House night was disappointing. The question was raised about the alternate book policy because Stotan was the first book to be read. We were told a parent in my son's class did not want their daughter to read Stotan and the alternate book assigned was GREAT EXPECTATIONS by Dickens...to be done as an independent study!

That alternate book is not of the same level of difficulty and you know how long it is compared to Stotan and it was to be done in the same length of time. Basically the message is we will punish anyone who will not read a book a parent finds objectionable. There is no way I could have my son read that book instead of Stotan. He would not be able to finish it and report on it in the same amount of time the teacher gave for Stotan.

Obviously, the Board wants to give lip service to this alternate book policy while still making it next to impossible to use it when a parent sees fit.

Editor's Note: Great Expectations by Charles Dickens is a literary classic; a book not to be missed in the life of your high school student. BUT, realize that it is 380 pages of difficult old-English literature including many words, phrases, and situations unfamiliar to our generation. For a teacher to offer Great Expectations as an equivalent alternative assignment for Stotan (probably one of the easiest books from a literary standpoint that your child will be required to read in a Blue Valley Communications Arts class) is a very sad situation.

9/18/04I cannot believe the kids are being asked to read books that contain the f-word!! Five years ago in Oklahoma, we never had to read anything like that, but when I was a senior I did have to read Lord of the Flies. I was also told it was important to read this novel before going to college. I found it very far-fetched and depressing. Since then, I've earned my undergraduate liberal arts degree from KU and am now in graduate school there. So far, the book hasn't come up yet.
9/13/04I just left the BV Board of Education meeting 9/13/04. The board did approve the revision of guidelines but only with a last minute alteration in verbiage. The board all but condemned the concerned parents for creating so much new "work" for the teachers. They also suggested that because parents aren't paid educators that we really don't know what is best for our own kids.
8/27/04Does the school board even know what is in these books? They should be ashamed! I am ashamed for them!
8/27/04Any teacher who even suggests that minor students should read The Bluest Eye should be fired!
8/25/04Thank you for providing this much-needed information. I didn't bother to read all of the books my daughter has been assigned...I trusted the school. Then I heard about this Web site, read some of the reviews, and started looking into the books myself. Song of Solomon was the last straw. Some of these choices are absolutely ridiculous. What in the world is the school thinking??
8/16/04THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!! YOU HAVE DONE SUCH A WONDERFUL JOB OF KEEPING US INFORMED ABOUT OUR CHILDREN'S EDUCATION IN THE BVSD. YOUR WEBSITE IS INFORMATIVE AND ALSO SO WELL PLANNED OUT! WHAT A WONDERFUL SERVICE YOU'VE GIVEN TO US ALL! PLEASE KNOW HOW MUCH WE APPRECIATE YOU AND THE EFFORT YOU PUT INTO THIS WEBSITE. IT IS WORTH IT!! YOU ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!!!
7/17/04Toni Morrison's books have no place as required reading assignments for minors. Requiring kids to read her stuff is sexual child abuse.
7/9/04I am appalled that the Blue Valley teachers make the kids read anything by Toni Morrison. I am a mother, live in this school system, and am black. That is NOT the way blacks talk -- the language in these books is completely unacceptable, it's so gross. Believe it or not, there are MANY positive black authors to choose from.
7/8/04

When I first heard about this Web site, I never thought I'd really get involved. Because I love to read, my natural inclination is to defend all books so I was very skeptical. I am a voracious reader. I usually read 2-3 novels a week, every week of the year. Therefore, I decided to pick up a few of the books that classkc.org has identified as being the most concerning.

Unfortunately, I picked up Toni Morrison's Beloved. I am COMPLETELY SICKENED. First of all the book is totally disgusting. Second of all the book is simply bad reading. RARELY in my decades of reading have I wanted to stop reading a book after I've started it. In this case, I had to force myself to the finish line to complete my own self-imposed duty to "see for myself" what types of books our teens are being asked to read at Blue Valley, and how my own opinions and values squared with this Web site.

Parents, this Web site is NOT far out at all -- as painful and distasteful as some of the excerpts are, this is the education your kids are getting. Our kids deserve so much more from our school system!!!
7/6/04We've had enough. We're taking our kids out of Blue Valley. Top down, we no longer trust nor respect the people in charge. We wish that the trashy literature was the only problem we've observed, but it's just one of many serious problems. Have an honest conversation with any high school kid about what is really happening in the schools. Public groping (even sex in bathrooms), drugs, smoking in front of police officers, leaving campus at all times of the day with absolutely no one questioning your comings and goings, and outside visitors having free run (and access to the students) are only a few of the things we've personally witnessed. We have far more meaningful plans and hopes for our children.
6/27/04How refreshing to finally see parents in this district step up to what is REALLY going on in our schools. No longer can a parent assume that the school is doing the right thing. For too long, the Administration and Board have told parents that "you are the only ones" who are concerned about an issue, which has been untrue for years, but that is how they intimidate parents. Often a parent's concern has lead to taking it out on their child. This must stop. Parents get only one chance to raise and educate their children. If the desensitization of our children's minds continues then we will truly reap what has been sown. This is a watershed moment. Parents, continue to ban together, be very vocal and I believe, ultimately things will change. It cannot come too soon for the sake of our children. "Garbage in, garbage out"
6/22/04It's time for a change in the Board of Directors!
6/21/04As a tax-paying citizen, it is incredible that my tax dollars are being spent on filthy novels for classroom use when the school district is always boo-hooing about lack of funds. It is even more unbelievable that Blue Valley thinks this stuff is educational literature. The only thing it is educating the kids about is how to cuss, drink, take drugs and how to have deviant sex. The kids are missing out on the classics in favor of this pornography?
6/21/04It's time to obtain legal counsel to take back the rights of the parents. I'm tired of the "we know what's best for your child because we are the professionals and you're not" attitude.
6/20/04WAKE UP Johnson County parents!! Take off your blinders and quit assuming that because you live in a wealthy district that they are doing the right thing for your kids. Can you name the novels your student was made to read this school year? Have YOU read them? Get informed! These are YOUR kids!
5/11/04My child cannot wear a t-shirt to school with the f-word printed on it, but it's OK to require my child to read books filled with this word?
5/11/04The Blue Valley School system doesn't purchase every available book for its library. They must discriminate -- in effect, censor out -- some books. They must go through the same process for the required reading books. Why is it necessary to select books with the f-word when other excellent choices are censored out?
5/10/04I am deeply concerned about the literature being assigned to these kids for a grade. I would be very uncomfortable reading this material out loud at my dinner table. I would also be very uncomfortable thinking that my son would be reading this material. Why is this necessary?
5/10/04Why do CA classes feel it is right to ask students to read obscenities and all types of sexual activities just because it is written in some books? These kids are still minors!
5/10/04When you read the f-word, it just gets stuck in your head. (Blue Valley student)
5/4/04 The books chosen for the CA I curriculum are certainly worthy. They convey messages to us that are learning experiences. They may not all be positive, but they say something powerful. It is up to the teachers to turn that message into a positive one, and in my opinion they do that quite well. I may not enjoy the books chosen, as they are of topics that don't always interest me, but at least I get something out of them. Life lessons for high school children should not be toned down to shield us. If anything, we should experience more. The more we learn now, the more prepared we will be when we leave this environment in four short years. Much of this material is already widely known. If any parent thinks their child is not exposed to this kind of language on a daily basis, they are naive. This is high school; we’re not little kids anymore. We can handle this material. Books like those on the list are ones that use this kind of language and content as a way to get a point across. If it was senseless and outrageous, I can guarantee that it would not be present in the classrooms of your children. (Blue Valley student)
4/29/04The thing that struck me about my daughter's freshman reading list was how the characters in the books showed such little self-control. The implied message is that your behavior doesn't matter and you can't help yourself anyway...so why try? This is pretty much the opposite of the values we try to instill at home.
4/28/04When selecting a book -- one f-word is one too many.
4/25/04I just have a problem with the teachers putting out a recommended reading list where parents can't tell that a book on the list has objectionable material. They should be getting the students to love reading. I remember when my daughter was a freshman -- she hated all the books they had her read. She is an excellent student so I didn't get involved in what was going on. What is the point of having children read books they hate.
4/25/04To the BV student who wrote us a long note -- your command of the f-word was remarkable! To summarize -- you think this site is a **** joke, and you don't think anyone has any **** right to tell you what you can and cannot **** read.
Editor's Note:Did you actually read this Web site? No one here is telling you what YOU can and cannot read (we'll leave those discussions to you and your own parents). But if that message wasn't clear by now, nothing we'll probably say will make much of a difference.

But, if your e-mail was honest, you're still a minor. So as parents of kids your age, we feel we need to try to get through to you. First, about the Web site: This Web site is about two very important things: 1) Giving parents information about the books assigned in public school systems that to date, has not been easily available; 2) Encouraging excellence in literary education. This site is not about banning books nor forcing anyone to read anything. But that goes two ways -- if we cannot force you NOT to read these novels (which would never happen anyway, because these books are still in your public and school libraries), you may not force our children TO read these novels (which IS what is happening now, as these books are being assigned as required reading). Fair?

Now, consider what is actually happening in the school system -- given the fact that these novels are assigned as required reading in schools, the opinions of those of us that do not think that all of this material is healthy brain food, are ignored. But, you may say, "What about alternatives?" This is a great question, and one that we've been asking for some time now. Did you know that there is currently no official policy at BV to provide an alternative for children or parents who ask for one? We wish we were wrong on this one, but in searching for this policy for the entire school year, this is the latest word from a Director-level BV employee. So yes, the practical truth of the matter is that you kids are reading, and are required to read, these specific books. You seem very interested in "rights." Currently, you do have the right to read these books, but we do not have an easy or clear means to choose others. Could you help us out?

Also, we want to say something to you personally, and we're truly sorry to have to be the ones to tell you this. But the truth is that the majority of us adults actually think that a person looks really ignorant, crude, untrustworthy, and somewhat pathetic when they use the f-word in written or conversational communication. We know that you're none of these things. So why would you present yourself as such? Think about it.
4/24/04Thank you so much for your oversight and looking out for our children. I want to encourage you and let you know how much I appreciate your efforts.
4/21/04It is vital that parents communicate about what their young people are reading. After all, they were given us to guide and direct.

I am initially concerned that Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Up from Slavery, are not recommended reading. Both of those show true heroism in dealing with great adversity.

I would think Gone with the Wind, The Good Earth, A Connecticut Yankee, Pride and Prejudice, Eve Curie's bio of her mother, A Man Called Peter and others would be favorite summer reading books.

Not to include Bess Streeter Aldrich and Willa Cather, two of the Great Plains finest, seems strange in the MoKan area.

Why do you suppose A Tale of Two Cities and Wuthering Heights are on the "To Read" list but David Copperfield and Jane Eyre are not?

Not to include One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich or the Diary of Anne Frank seems odd too.

I was also curious about the status of Pilgrim's Progress, Gulliver's Travels, Candide, and de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. These are some books that changed my life as a teenager.

By the way, I love Ethan Frome! So Big, a novel about the value of a contemplative life, and A Peculiar Treasure, her autobiography, by Edna Ferber are two others I link with Edith Wharton.

In closing, our family prefers to choose books that are Enlightening, Uplifting, Ennobling, and personally Empowering.
4/20/04I am glad that you have had the courage to stand up for your principles. My head about spun off when I heard that "what one person considers appropriate might be different for someone else" (Board member comment). It sounds so pleasant and tolerant, but what it says is that whatever that other person says or does is o.k. no matter what the behavior, because after all, their view of appropriate may be different. I do not believe they are truly aware of just how wrong their position is. They believe that by supporting the explicit and deviant language in those books that they are tolerant of everything. But they are not tolerant of the ideas upon which this country was founded, and they will ban those ideas along with any ideas that do not conform to theirs, from debate in the public forum through the courts and legislation...and it will all be in the name of tolerance.
4/19/04If your kid went to a neighbor's house and your neighbor read some of these passages to your child, what would be an appropriate response? I think you'd call the police.
4/19/04We all agree that books are used to teach and inspire. So why do some people refuse to acknowledge that books can also debase and degrade?
4/18/04Thank you for posting this site. You are providing a wonderful and much needed service.
4/14/04I don't disagree with anything said at the Web site. (Blue Valley employee)
4/10/04What can you do? Vote out the school board members!
4/7/04You are to be commended for maintaining the "classkc" website. It truly is sad what our "educators" are putting in front of our kids in the name of "education." Keep up the good work!
4/5/04Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We are all for freedom of speech, however this kind of vulgarity is completely inappropriate for required reading.
3/31/04Our parents have a right to know that their children are not being fed pornographic trash in the classroom. It is so absurd that of all the good books out there, our district has to choose these controversial ones.
3/30/04Thank you for this wonderful website and for your dedication to this subject. It is something I have been angry about since we moved here over 6 years ago. Being new to the community, I just kept quiet and tried to spread the word among my friends but nobody really seemed to care. It's a shame that the students are missing out on so much great literature.
3/24/04Way to go. Finally some parents of the Blue Valley Dist. are taking control and being pro-active. I applaud you for this effort.