I think that we have to take a common sense approach here.
When I was an Elementary Librarian we had a book, I think the author was
Cole, title something like "when you were a baby". In it was a drawing of a
baby being given a bath. Kids would cluster around that book making a scene.
I would walk over and ask what was going on. They would exclaim about the
picture. I would ask what was wrong with it -- "she doesn't have any clothes
on" -- do you wear clothes when you take a bath -- no -- then what is wrong?
We would go on a bit. By this time they just wanted me to stop "making a
deal of it" and would leave. The problem went away. Same with an art book
with very small picture of Michelangelo's David.
If I had "painted over" the photos I would have created an even bigger
scene, made a bigger deal of the pictures than before. Same with whiting out
any "words". The books fit our selection policy, in fact one had been
purchased FOR US by headquarters. I didn't take either book off the shelf.
However, I bought a graphic novel for my high school, looked through it and
it had a number of nude drawings. I asked one of my teachers known to be
fairly liberal and know what kids liked to read. She read it, say the
pictures weren't any big deal but were very much there and that the book was
boring in addition. So I didn't keep it. I certainly wouldn't have kept it
in a MS or ES.
Remember your selection policy, if it says absolutely NO nudes then you
can't get it. Otherwise use your policy and common sense.
My two cents worth.
PS Am surprised one of our publisher lurkers hasn't leapt on this discussion
to create a scene and sell thousands more copies of "In the Night Kitchen"
they way they did the "The Power of Lucky".
Deborah Stafford
Gen. H.H. Arnold High School
Wiesbaden, Germany
deborah.stafford@t-online.de
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Please note: All LM_NET postings are protected by copyright law.
You can prevent most e-mail filters from deleting LM_NET postings
by adding LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU to your e-mail address book.
To change your LM_NET status, e-mail to: listserv@listserv.syr.edu
In the message write EITHER: 1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL
3) SET LM_NET MAIL 4) SET LM_NET DIGEST * Allow for confirmation.
* LM_NET Help & Information: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/
* LM_NET Archive: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/archive/
* EL-Announce with LM_NET Select: http://lm-net.info/
* LM_NET Supporters: http://www.eduref.org/lm_net/ven.html
* LM_NET Wiki: http://lmnet.wikispaces.com/
--------------------------------------------------------------------
LM_NET
Mailing List Home