It seems like they have the freedom to choose books so long as the child isn't exposed to sex and racism.
This isn't about Romeo and Juliet. Do you have a better way to describe those kinds of books? Or do you support having "Genderqueer" in elementary school libraries?
First, this is the most extreme example on that list. Lots of other literature is on there, do you support banning all of it, and jailing teachers that don't prevent a kid from reading it, because that is the real question.
Second, you say apparently, so it sounds like you haven't read it. Perhaps you don't want to, but have you talked to someone who actually has?
I've not read it, but I'm going to buy it. I went to the web page and saw the intention, which is to teach young adults (late teenagers) healthy sexual habits. If this book isn't provided to them, those kids are going to get it from alternative sources on the Internet. I mean porn. I don't mean to be "binary" (I'm happy with that pun) but it really is a choice between those two things.
By the way, that book isn't directed towards children as you assert. It's on the web site and clearly intended for young adults. Big difference.
When I read the book, interested in hearing my review?
Religious and conservative groups have been trying to cancel sex ed pretty consistently, so I suppose the opposition to this book is not surprising.
Is there documented proof that this was in an elementary school?
This feels like an important question. If it isn't found in elementary schools, then there simply is not a teacher or librarian out there attempting to put books in front of elementary kids. And, then this whole argument seems like virtue signaling for political gain.
https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/education/2022-05-29/florida-d...
https://www.tampabay.com/news/education/2021/11/19/pinellas-...
Neither of these links say elementary school. One explicitly says high school.
I'm genuinely interested, is there an elementary school which had this book available for kids?
If it's not for children, why is it in school libraries? The problem is not that it exists. The problem is that it is being put in school libraries. If you read it you will likely see why. It literally has graphical depictions of children engaging in what would be considered hardcore pornography in any other context.
I can self-describe liquor as a "natural sleep aid for young adults", that doesn't change the fact that it is liquor and has no place in a high school vending machine.
If a six year old kid walked up to check out that book, wouldn't the librarian stop them? I think the answer to that question speaks to whether you believe in "grooming" or not.
You really feel like this is hardcore pornography? The images I saw didn't suggest that at all. There are people that engage in sex like that, I'm sure you know. Do you feel like it is morally wrong to have sex like that which is described and is that why you are saying it is hardcore pornography?
I'll need reserving judgement on whether these are pictures of children engaging in sex. I would be very surprised if that's what is depicted. You are sure of that?
Are you simply here to divide and generate ragebait, or are you here to engage in serious discussion?
But in high school, some of the books we read were Nineteen-Eighty-Four (liberating power of sexuality is a theme), To Kill a Mockingbird (rape trial in the Jim Crow south), Huckleberry Finn (often considered racist in contemporary American society due to its frequent use of the n-word) and the Handmaid's Tale (rape and gender relations and racism).
I can't really imagine how literature, or society and history for that matter, can be taught without sex and racism coming up, and frequently.
Certainly not 99% of poetry.
Also would mean "Othello", "The Merchant of Venice", and all of the cross-dressing comedies like "Twelfth Night" are right out.
I completely agree with you that if this is allowed to stand, it would gut education irreparably. Critical thinking is already under fire; this would drop a nuke on it.
Reasonable people can disagree about what's age appropriate. Threatening teachers with a felony charge is psychotic.
Hope you didn't think "Little Bill" was appropriate.