There's a lot of hoopla going around Portland about a book called, "Suicide Bunny". If I have my information correct, and in this day of instant misinformation, it's possible I have a couple things wrong, there is a woman who wants the book pulled from her child's school library. In fact she is so against this book that she has the book checked out and is refusing to return it. And if the book appears on the shelves again she'll have someone else check that copy out and keep that one as well. Now, I have not read this book, but I have looked at some of the drawings on-line. Okay, it may not be 'appropriate' for some kids, but I'm so tired of other people deciding what's appropriate and what is not appropriate for everyone in the world.
I was an early reader, and like many early readers I ended up reading books that perhaps were not really suited for my age. I remember one clear example was Judy Blume's "Wifey". Judy Blume was the author for middle schoolers in my day. I read everything from "Are you there God, It's Me Margaret?" to "Deenie" and on to "Forever". Then one day I was searching the card catalog (I'm assuming my readers all know what that is), to see what else she might have written and there was a new book called"Wifey". It wasn't in the juvenile section, but in the adult books. No problem there, I had been reading non-fiction books and Agatha Christie mysteries from the adult sections without parental complain for quite some time. I found the book without trouble and settled in my favorite corner of the library to read it. Whoa, before the end of the first page I knew this was new territory. First page and I'm 'exposed' to a flasher wearing a stars and stripes motorcylce helmet. This would be an adventure.
I knew this was a book I should not read at home, and yet I was going to try (going with the theory it was by Judy Blume, and had been reading her for years so....) The high school girl at the check out counter tried to tell me I couldn't read the book, but Ms. Williams (my favorite librarian) overruled the girl and told me I could take it home, with the caveat that I had to tell my mom I had it ("oh sure," I lied) and if I had any questions about what I read I should ask her(I'm sure she meant ask my mom, but I took it to mean ask her)
Now, I know there are many who would be appalled that a librarian would allow a young girl to take such a racy book home (and if memory serves, it got racier still). But I say hooray for her. She understood that I was going to read the book one way or another. She understood that I was going to keep reading books above my comfort and perhaps comprehension level for a few more years until life caught up with my brain. I think she also wanted to foster a level of open dialogues. Now, it wasn't really going to happen in my household, but I am grateful she tried.
I think kids should be allowed to take home any book they want from the library. Do I think they should be able to read any book? Today I say yes, as my children age I may find that I might change my mind, I hope not. I think books and the multitude of ideas are too important to start keeping them from kids because you don't like the content. Instead of banning the books, read them along side your kid and then discuss what about it bothers you. Take a chance that they'll ask you questions (like when I asked my Mom what "69"while reading "Forever", she didn't know the answer but my older sister told us both...)
My mom freaked about my reading choices all the time. When I was in my Stephen King phase she was sure I was going to get into Satan worship (never even occured to me) and when I was "secretly" reading Harlequin romances at the library (forgive me I was a kid) she thought I was going to go down some wrong path (that included some sinful self pleasuring). But despite all her fears I cannot remember a time she told me I couldn't read something. (of course I hid a lot from her!) And for that I give her big thanks and major kudos. You'll just have to trust me when I say this was a big deal for her.
So to the woman who wants to ban "Bunny Suicide" I say, 'stay out of my library' You have every right to choose what comes into your home, but not what comes into my home. Take the book back and talk to your kids about books and freedoms, and not the tv cameras about your view of right and wrong.
And now I think I'll head out for our weekly trip to the library and see if I can't find some old friends to share with my kids.
4 comments:
you go, mama.
i think you are spot on about this, m'dear. if she does not like the book, she does not have to read it. and she can tell whomever she likes that she does not like it. but it is not her place to keep it from the rest of us. we can think for, and raise our children ourselves, thank you very much.
thanks for writing about this. and also for saying so much about 'wifey'. i got a hold of that one in fifth grade. another one was 'the women's room'. these were not books for girls, but we found them out. it's hard, but children find things out. the best we can do is be there for them to talk about it when they do.
Good on you, CAW. It's one thing to decide for her own child, another thing to make a peremptory decision affecting other people's kids.
I was lucky to have parents who, while not exactly liberal, trusted me to choose my own reading material. Everything I ever read came in handy eventually, in one way or another, and that includes the books that disturbed me, challenged me, or otherwise enlarged my view of the world.
Just read it...loved it. When is your book coming out? MM
Bunny Suicides is a hilarious book - read it while sipping your Starbucks in Barnes & Noble. It's a quick picture book. Save $10.
My kids were young during the "can't let a child read Harry Potter" phase - M actually had friends who couldn't read it - they would become witches! (well one girl was well on her way!) I told them then, and continue to tell them, there is no book or movie that I will forbid them to see. Nothing they cannot read or watch. MANY they will have to wait until they move out of my house, though. AND some they may need to wait until I'm dead (mainly the Left Behind claptrap.)
Some of my best memories are discussing books with my mom, and now with my children. I just finished "life as we knew it" and then lent it to M. Great conversation starter. Also "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" - she's still reading it now - but such thoughts!! Such ideas!!
And thanks for making me feel old - I didn't have to "cheat" to read "Wifey" - and I do remember the brouhaha when it came out that it would lead young Judy Blume readers astray - well, you proved 'em right! (LOL)
People like this woman are just afraid of allowing children to think, afraid of questions, and, quite frankly, of knowledge. So, it's up to us to keep reading, questioning, and letting our kids read and question right along with us!
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