June 16 - Monday Quote

The principal of Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida has canceled the entire Summer reading program because the book list included Cory Doctorow's "Little Brother."  He says a parent complained about the book's profanity.  (In truth, there is no actual profanity, only a reference made to one "bad" word--something the principal would know if he'd bothered to read the book himself.)  He also objected to "Little Brother" because he believes it encourages youth to "question authority." 

It should be emphasized that this was a HIGH SCHOOL reading program--you know, a school populated by teenagers who already know more swear words than most adults and for whom questioning authority is a right of passage.

Realizing that having a book banned is going to mean that every student in the school is going to want to read it to see why, Tor Books has arranged for 200 free copies to be delivered to the school.

This principal might have heeded Ms. Godwin's words before he acted.

monday quote:  A truly great library contains something in it to offend everyone. (Jo Godwin)