The librarian sounds dreadful but...we also have to take into account that they have some things working against them. So, let's say Mrs. X gives HP to an interested 1st grader and that child starts to read it right away and then takes it home to his ultra conservative, devoutly religious family. The same family that heard in church on Sunday that witchcraft is a sin. The family freaks out, tells everyone, writes letters, places calls, goes to the school board, etc.
I go to my children's teachers and librarian every single year and give blanket permission for them to read anything they would like. It saves heartache for everyone.
Great point. Our DD's first grade reading group (of 1) was assigned HP, but the library in the same school has no copies of Captain Underpants, due to parent complaints. There was a mom when my kids were in elem who tried to get Geronimo Stilton banned because it contains the word *sexy*. I kid you not.
Then again, my DD's English class is reading Pope Joan right now, historical fiction about a woman who disguises herself as a man and becomes pope during the dark ages; at the end of the book she dies in childbirth. Lots of great ideas for discussion, but I have to admit I am amazed that there have been no parental complaints on this one- I am assuming they haven't read it (or perhaps the parents of the honors level kids are a bit more open-minded?).
