Dr.

Ray Tolcacher, Superintendent Materials Reconsideration Committee Members Prosser School District 1126 Meade Avenue, Suite A Prosser, Washington 99350 February 5, 2013

Dear Dr. Tolcacher and Members of the Reconsideration Committee, We are writing in response to a recent challenge to the books A Child Called It by David Pelzer (HCI) and The Popularity Papers by Amy Ignatow (Amulet Books). We understand that the books are being reconsidered by a district committee after a teacher filed a complaint about the contents of these books and their treatment of child abuse and non-traditional families, respectively. It is our understanding that A Child Called It is shelved in the Housel Middle School library and can only be checked out by students with parental permission. The Popularity Papers on the other hand, is housed at two elementary schools in the district but is only available to fifth grade students. This means that students are not required to read either book and restrictions are already in place to implement parents decisions about allowing their children to read the books. To further restrict or remove these books because someone objects to their content would curtail the rights of students wishing to read these books and of parents who allow access. The First Amendment precludes public officials from suppressing ideas simply because some people find them offensive or controversial. The Supreme Court has cautioned that school officials "may not remove books from library shelves simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books and seek by their removal to prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion, or other matters of opinion." Board of Education v. Pico, 457 U.S. 853, 872 (1982)(plurality opinion). This constitutional duty applies with particular force in the school library, which, unlike the classroom, has "a special role...as a place where students may freely and voluntarily explore diverse topics." Campbell v. St. Tammany Parish School Board, 64 F. 3d 184, 190 (5th Cir. 1995).

A Child Called It is Dave Pelzers best-selling memoir about survival in which he recounts his childhood experiences of being mistreated and abused by his alcoholic mother. Many readers have found the book to be an uplifting and courageous account of overcoming extremely difficult personal obstacles. The book may not be suitable for every child. However, the restrictions currently in place afford parents the opportunity to control whether or not their child has access to the book. The Popularity Papers is a popular series of books geared at 4-6 grade students that follows the friendship of Lydia and Julie as they prepare to navigate junior high school. Its treatment of themes such as bullying and individuality won the book the National Parenting Publications Association Gold Award in 2012 and led to its selection for the 2011 American Library Association's Rainbow Project. School Library Journal called the book an entertaining look at the social hierarchy of preteens and the challenges of growing up [that] will entice even the most reluctant readers. The complainant objects to an episode in which Julie is bullied because she has two fathers. The book demonstrates the harm caused by bullying, and the unfairness of bullying someone because of something beyond their control. School libraries may not cater to any specific viewpoint, but must provide materials that meet the needs and serve the interests of all students. Those who object are entitled to their view, but they may not impose it on others. We urge you to stand by the principle that is so essential to individual freedom, democracy, and a good education: the right to read, inquire, question, and think for ourselves. If we can be of assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact us. Sincerely,

Joan Bertin Executive Director National Coalition Against Censorship

President American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression

Charles Brownstein Executive Director Comic Book Legal Defense Fund

CC: Deanna Flores, Principal, Housel Middle School Shellie Hatch, Principal, Whitstran Elementary Kris Moore, Principal, Keene-Riverview Elementary Sally Juzeler, Principal, Prosser Heights Elementary Vivian Jennings, Librarian, Housel Middle School