Scholastic Book Fairs accommodate state censorship efforts by segregating some titles (including "I am Ruby Bridges") into an optional collection

[essentialsaltes]

Scholastic isolates ‘diverse titles’ at book fairs as book challenges spike​

Scholastic is separating dozens of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes into a collection that elementary schools can decide whether to offer or exclude from their book fairs, the publisher announced in a statement Friday.

Scholastic created the collection to offer “diverse titles” at its book fairs in a way that would not violate those [state] laws, which the publisher said “create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.”

The 64 titles in Scholastic’s optional collection include stories of prominent figures of the civil rights movement and accounts of significant moments in U.S. history, including Andrea Davis Pinkney’s “Because of You, John Lewis,” Colin Kaepernick’s “I Color Myself Different” and “I Am Ruby Bridges,” written by the activist herself.

[and “Justice Ketanji,” a picture book about the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson]

“You really have to wonder what exactly does somebody think could conceivably be objectionable about this book?” [PEN America CEO] Nossel said.

 

[PloverWing]

This actually seems like a realistic solution to the problem of the state laws. Parents (and teachers, where law permits) who want their students to read about a wider range of human diversity can direct students to consider some of the books on the "Share Every Story" list. Other parents can direct their children differently. (Will this tempt little Johnny to read a forbidden book on Ruby Bridges under the covers with a flashlight when nobody's looking? Maybe ... )

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

Scholastic isolates ‘diverse titles’ at book fairs as book challenges spike​

Scholastic is separating dozens of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes into a collection that elementary schools can decide whether to offer or exclude from their book fairs, the publisher announced in a statement Friday.

Scholastic created the collection to offer “diverse titles” at its book fairs in a way that would not violate those [state] laws, which the publisher said “create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.”

The 64 titles in Scholastic’s optional collection include stories of prominent figures of the civil rights movement and accounts of significant moments in U.S. history, including Andrea Davis Pinkney’s “Because of You, John Lewis,” Colin Kaepernick’s “I Color Myself Different” and “I Am Ruby Bridges,” written by the activist herself.

[and “Justice Ketanji,” a picture book about the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson]

“You really have to wonder what exactly does somebody think could conceivably be objectionable about this book?” [PEN America CEO] Nossel said.

It's silly to include books about historical figures in with books discussing and instructing on sexuality themes for minors/children. I'm pretty sure this group of books you mention are the innocuous ones.

 

[essentialsaltes]

This actually seems like a realistic solution to the problem of the state laws.

I'm halfway with you there. We don't want to put librarians in jail, and we don't want to have to cancel the entire book fair.

Parents (and teachers, where law permits) who want their students to read about a wider range of human diversity can direct students to consider some of the books on the "Share Every Story" list.

Not at the book fair, if they live in a state that chooses not to offer these optional books. And probably not in the catalogue distributed in that state. Parents would have to know to go looking.

 

[essentialsaltes]

It's silly to include books about historical figures in with books discussing and instructing on sexuality themes for minors/children. I'm pretty sure this group of books you mention are the innocuous ones.

So which books from Scholastic would you object to on 'sexual' grounds?

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

So which books from Scholastic would you object to on 'sexual' grounds?
View attachment 337966

I said sexuality, and you revised it to" sexual" for your own purposes.

Themes about sexuality are parental themes; we all used to know this until activists took over at school.

Any book anyone wants to buy is fine. My objection here is to the disingenuous presentation of the issue as if a historical accounts like"Ruby Bridges" or "Ketanji Jackson" stories are the problem. You know better.

Its not difficult to acquire age-appropriate books that are really good, and that are not mere activist material for any setting, whether schools or home schooling.

Another thing we all used to know, which is why the writing of virtually anyone barely literate 125 years ago rivals or exceeds college students today. I'm sure you've seen the "stop and question" method on college campuses, and the woeful responses received. School focus needs to be solely academic. Math, Science, Classics, History. Period.

 

[essentialsaltes]

I said sexuality, and you revised it to" sexual" for your own purposes.

So which books from Scholastic would you object to on 'sexuality' grounds?

My objection here is to the disingenuous presentation of the issue as if a historical accounts like"Ruby Bridges" or "Ketanji Jackson" stories are the problem.

Some states have put bans on books that "might make students feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress because of their race or sex." or similar statements.

The story of Ruby Bridges is a story of things like this:

And white children are protected by law from feeling any discomfort.

 

[PloverWing]

View attachment 337966

What a sweet book! I have an upcoming baby shower I might buy this for...

 

[PloverWing]

Not at the book fair, if they live in a state that chooses not to offer these optional books. And probably not in the catalogue distributed in that state. Parents would have to know to go looking.

Good point. I'm not supporting the book-banning policies, by any means. At least the Share Every Story list gives us something to google when we're book-shopping...

My chief reservation is the implied message that white is "normal", and African/Asian/Latino is "unusual". I suppose that's true numerically, at least in the US, but there's an "otherness" message that's uncomfortable.

Still, Scholastic's workaround is as good as anything I can come up with at the moment.

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

So which books from Scholastic would you object to on 'sexuality' grounds?


Some states have put bans on books that "might make students feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress because of their race or sex." or similar statements.

The story of Ruby Bridges is a story of things like this:
View attachment 337968

And white children are protected by law from feeling any discomfort.

Interesting that you restricted your comments to the historical books, not the sexuality ones, which is not at ALL the point. Noted.

Schools are permitted to opt out of any books they don't wish to display anyway. This is really much ado about nothing. Want the book anyway if not available at a school sale? Buy it on Amazon. Problem solved.

There are a few really graphic books about sexuality that parents just don't want in schools, as they would prefer a focus on academics and consider sexuality and related values a discussion for the family, not the school.

Here is a press release statement directly from Scholastic:

A Statement from Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson on Our Commitment to the LGBTQIA Community

"We believe Scholastic can make the greatest impact by continuing to promote the work of LGBTQIA+ creators in in our publishing, including the support and amplification of transgender and non-binary voices. This year, eight of the ten most challenged books on the American Library Association's Most Challenged Books List were there because of LGBTQIA+ content, and we are proud that two of them were published by Scholastic: Raina Telgemeier's Drama and Alex Gino's George, the #1 most challenged book of last year."

This statement was put out by the CEO right before he died unexpectedly, cutting his family out of the will in favor of a romantic involvement at work: After Scholastic CEO's Sudden Death, Family Left Blindsided When Left Out of Will: 'Shocking'

Exactly as stated, the pushback is NOT about historical books, so the disingenuous misdirection can stop.

It's about a few books with graphic depictions of sexual behavior for children, being pushed by a children's publisher and those with an agenda to make this a school topic. You can look the books up yourself. I'm not going to detail that here. Some of the problematic portions have been read at school board meetings and hearings, only to have the speaker be shut down for saying "inappropriate" things. Yeah, that's kind of the point.

 

[essentialsaltes]

Interesting that you restricted your comments to the historical books

I was answering your "objection". Books that mention historical racism are being challenged by state laws.

 

[essentialsaltes]

Here is a press release statement directly from Scholastic:

It would be more helpful to quote a press release that is relevant to the OP news about the creation of the “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection.

There is now enacted or pending legislation in more than 30 U.S. states prohibiting certain kinds of books from being in schools – mostly LGBTQIA+ titles and books that engage with the presence of racism in our country.

 

[rambot]

Interesting that you restricted your comments to the historical books, not the sexuality ones, which is not at ALL the point. Noted.

Schools are permitted to opt out of any books they don't wish to display anyway. This is really much ado about nothing. Want the book anyway if not available at a school sale? Buy it on Amazon. Problem solved.

There are a few really graphic books about sexuality that parents just don't want in schools, as they would prefer a focus on academics and consider sexuality and related values a discussion for the family, not the school.

Here is a press release statement directly from Scholastic:

A Statement from Scholastic CEO Dick Robinson on Our Commitment to the LGBTQIA Community

"We believe Scholastic can make the greatest impact by continuing to promote the work of LGBTQIA+ creators in in our publishing, including the support and amplification of transgender and non-binary voices. This year, eight of the ten most challenged books on the American Library Association's Most Challenged Books List were there because of LGBTQIA+ content, and we are proud that two of them were published by Scholastic: Raina Telgemeier's Drama and Alex Gino's George, the #1 most challenged book of last year."

This statement was put out by the CEO right before he died unexpectedly, cutting his family out of the will in favor of a romantic involvement at work: After Scholastic CEO's Sudden Death, Family Left Blindsided When Left Out of Will: 'Shocking'

Exactly as stated, the pushback is NOT about historical books, so the disingenuous misdirection can stop.

It's about a few books with graphic depictions of sexual behavior for children, being pushed by a children's publisher and those with an agenda to make this a school topic. You can look the books up yourself. I'm not going to detail that here. Some of the problematic portions have been read at school board meetings and hearings, only to have the speaker be shut down for saying "inappropriate" things. Yeah, that's kind of the point.

I appreciate what you are saying here but you it is seriously belieing the criticisms that are happenning in regards to book bans in the US.
1) There are (effectively) book bans based on race content. You are welcome to believe it isn't happenning but you'd be incorrect. It is happenning. Books on Rosa Parks are getting removed from elementary schools.
2) The problem with the system set up as it is, is that it only takes one or two people to get a book pulled. Talk about tyranny of the minority. There are news stories of single women who are just working towards banning books.
This is not reasonable or rational as a response to a single parents' concern in my view.

There are a few really graphic books about sexuality that parents just don't want in schools, as they would prefer a focus on academics and consider sexuality and related values a discussion for the family, not the school.

I'd feel better if that was true but you are categorically false. There are parents who are banning books (or trying to ban books) that ONLY mention the existence of LGBTQ folks. I can understand the discomfort of the VERY graphic books being removed, but many books are NOWHERE near your benchmark for banning.

You claim the critics of book bans are being "disingenuous" but they aren't. There VERY MUCH IS a pushback on "historical books". That you are unaware of such things, doesn't mean it isn't happenning.

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

I appreciate what you are saying here but you it is seriously belieing the criticisms that are happenning in regards to book bans in the US.
1) There are (effectively) book bans based on race content. You are welcome to believe it isn't happenning but you'd be incorrect. It is happenning. Books on Rosa Parks are getting removed from elementary schools.
2) The problem with the system set up as it is, is that it only takes one or two people to get a book pulled. Talk about tyranny of the minority. There are news stories of single women who are just working towards banning books.
This is not reasonable or rational as a response to a single parents' concern in my view.



I'd feel better if that was true but you are categorically false. There are parents who are banning books (or trying to ban books) that ONLY mention the existence of LGBTQ folks. I can understand the discomfort of the VERY graphic books being removed, but many books are NOWHERE near your benchmark for banning.

You claim the critics of book bans are being "disingenuous" but they aren't. There VERY MUCH IS a pushback on "historical books". That you are unaware of such things, doesn't mean it isn't happenning.

Show me where a school has removed the Rosa Parks. Some made that false allegation about Florida, when what actually happened was that a bill was passed that merely required a searchable list of all books available at the schools or used in instruction. Why anyone could possibly object to letting parents know what books would be used is curious. Most won't even bother to look at at. Those who do can object on various bases and it will be reviewed. Most books - like Rosa Parks and the baseball player one everyone was screeching about - go right back on the shelves. No one is objecting to historical books.

A large majority of objections have been to blatantly sexual material in books for children. It's not academic and it does not belong in schools for minors. You can still buy them anywhere if you want your kid reading that stuff. Not a problem since no books are actually banned and therefore unavailable to anyone.

The activist segment of teachers are pretending they can't even speak of normal historical events now, in order to politicize this, instead of it just being a rational decision of age-appropriateness, which it always has been. Every school doesn't carry every book, and some books are better than others.

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

It would be more helpful to quote a press release that is relevant to the OP news about the creation of the “Share Every Story, Celebrate Every Voice” collection.

There is now enacted or pending legislation in more than 30 U.S. states prohibiting certain kinds of books from being in schools – mostly LGBTQIA+ titles and books that engage with the presence of racism in our country.

That's an assertion without supporting evidence. Dig into the actual individual details of the schools and see what really happened. Not doing all of them, and I doubt you will either, which is why activists get away with making vague fear assertions without backing them up to stir up their base.

I already addressed one fake "ban" about Rosa Parks and Roberto Clemente historical books. In reality, they were merely reviewed and put back on the shelves in Florida, as all books are reviewed since the transparency law passed.

Roberto Clemente book deemed 'appropriate,' returns to Fla. school district shelves

An illustrated children’s biography of Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente is back on shelves in Florida’s Duval County Public Schools after being reviewed and approved for use in classrooms and libraries. The school district said in a news release that its certified reading specialists...

triblive.com

 

[essentialsaltes]

That's an assertion without supporting evidence. Dig into the actual individual details of the schools and see what really happened.

No, I don't need to, because the assertion is about the law, and we've already discussed how laws have been passed that ban books that "might make students feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress because of their race or sex."

 

[RestoreTheJoy]

No, I don't need to, because the assertion is about the law, and we've already discussed how laws have been passed that ban books that "might make students feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress because of their race or sex."

You might wish to actually read the law; I note that you left out the relevant part of the reasoning: that it is prohibited to promote the idea that "one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color, national origin, or sex" and that (the following you included) "a person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously."

BTW no books are "banned"; you can buy them anywhere. Not every book is used in every school, nor should it be.

Here you go: (please read this link)
Civil Rights in Employment and K-20 Education


The bill specifies that subjecting any individual, as a condition of employment, membership, certification, licensing, credentialing, or passing an examination, to training, instruction, or any other required activity; or subjecting any K-20 public education student or employee to training or instruction, that espouses, promotes, advances, inculcates, or compels such individual to believe the following concepts constitutes an unlawful employment practice or unlawful discrimination:

• Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex are morally superior to members of another race, color, national origin, or sex.
• A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously.
• A person's moral character or status as either privileged or oppressed is necessarily determined by his or her race, color, national origin, or sex.
• Members of one race, color, national origin, or sex cannot and should not attempt to treat others without respect to race, color, national origin, or sex.
• A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex bears responsibility for, or should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment because of, actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
• A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, national origin, or sex should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment to achieve diversity, equity, or inclusion.
• A person, by virtue of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin, bears personal responsibility for and must feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress because of actions, in which the person played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, national origin, or sex.
• Such virtues as merit, excellence, hard work, fairness, neutrality, objectivity, and racial colorblindness are racist or sexist, or were created by members of a particular race, color, national origin, or sex to oppress members of another race, color, national origin, or sex.

However, training or instruction may include a discussion of such concepts if they are presented in an objective manner without endorsement.

The bill defines individual freedoms based on the fundamental truth that all individuals are equal before the law and have inalienable rights. Accordingly, required instruction, instructional materials, and professional development in public schools must be consistent with the following principles of individual freedom:

• No person is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or unconsciously, solely by virtue of his or her race or sex.
• No race is inherently superior to another race.
• No person should be discriminated against or receive adverse treatment solely or partly on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or sex.
• Meritocracy or traits such as a hard work ethic are not racist but fundamental to the right to pursue happiness and be rewarded for industry.
• A person, by virtue of his or her race or sex, does not bear responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.
• A person should not be instructed that he or she must feel guilt, anguish, or other forms of psychological distress for actions, in which he or she played no part, committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Scholastic isolates ‘diverse titles’ at book fairs as book challenges spike​

Scholastic is separating dozens of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes into a collection that elementary schools can decide whether to offer or exclude from their book fairs, the publisher announced in a statement Friday.

Oh good....those rumors of book banning were overblown lies.

Scholastic created the collection to offer “diverse titles”

Doesn't sound very diverse if they're all about racism and being homosexual.

at its book fairs in a way that would not violate those [state] laws, which the publisher said “create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.”

The publisher describes the "impossible task" of not purchasing the controversial books he publishes.

I mean...saying it out loud, it sounds completely possible. Easy even.

The 64 titles in Scholastic’s optional collection

"Almost impossibly optional".

include stories of prominent figures of the civil rights movement and accounts of significant moments in U.S. history, including Andrea Davis Pinkney’s

Who?

Colin Kaepernick’s “I Color Myself Different”

I hear he's following up that book with an autobiography called "I Called My Parents Racist, Called the NFL a Slave Auction, Then Complained When I Wasn't Wanted Back In the NFL".

It's just a rumor though. I heard he wanted it published but he's unwilling to show a final copy to the publisher....they should just trust him that it's ready.

I think the only person who thinks Kaepernick is part of a civil rights movement is Kaepernick.

and “I Am Ruby Bridges,” written by the activist herself.

I always confuse her with Chris Bridges.

[and “Justice Ketanji,” a picture book about the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson]

“You really have to wonder what exactly does somebody think could conceivably be objectionable about this book?” [PEN America CEO] Nossel said.

Perhaps it has something to do with her pilot on Cartoon Network "Affirmative Action Ketani Jackson". I know someone at the network who told me they rejected a pilot where she's an action hero going around with some trans sidekick whose gender she's constantly affirming. Ultimately it didn't test well with the 5-10yo demographic and they passed. Great title if you ask me.

That's just a guess though.

 

[Ana the Ist]

Scholastic isolates ‘diverse titles’ at book fairs as book challenges spike​

Scholastic is separating dozens of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes into a collection that elementary schools can decide whether to offer or exclude from their book fairs, the publisher announced in a statement Friday.

Scholastic created the collection to offer “diverse titles” at its book fairs in a way that would not violate those [state] laws, which the publisher said “create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.”

The 64 titles in Scholastic’s optional collection include stories of prominent figures of the civil rights movement and accounts of significant moments in U.S. history, including Andrea Davis Pinkney’s “Because of You, John Lewis,” Colin Kaepernick’s “I Color Myself Different” and “I Am Ruby Bridges,” written by the activist herself.

[and “Justice Ketanji,” a picture book about the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson]

“You really have to wonder what exactly does somebody think could conceivably be objectionable about this book?” [PEN America CEO] Nossel said.

After a quick look....I don't actually see anything saying that Kaepernick’s book or Ketani Jackson's books are banned.

Did the publisher just throw those into the pile so they didn't have to talk about why they publish sexually explicit children's books?

Were they added so that propaganda sites like WaPo can stir up outrage over these books that aren't actually banned (and they aren't, the publisher still sells them)?

Or do you have any news articles about these books being banned anywhere?

This looks entirely like something that the publisher did of their own free will...to sell books. They appear to have included books nobody has a problem with....most likely because they aren't selling.

I mean seriously, who wants a picture book of Ketani Jackson? Little kids don't want to look at pictures of Harvard Law School. Did the publisher just throw these "diverse" books in the mix because they weren't selling?

 

[Tropical Wilds]

Scholastic isolates ‘diverse titles’ at book fairs as book challenges spike​

Scholastic is separating dozens of books focused on race and LGBTQ+ themes into a collection that elementary schools can decide whether to offer or exclude from their book fairs, the publisher announced in a statement Friday.

Scholastic created the collection to offer “diverse titles” at its book fairs in a way that would not violate those [state] laws, which the publisher said “create an almost impossible dilemma: back away from these titles or risk making teachers, librarians, and volunteers vulnerable to being fired, sued, or prosecuted.”

The 64 titles in Scholastic’s optional collection include stories of prominent figures of the civil rights movement and accounts of significant moments in U.S. history, including Andrea Davis Pinkney’s “Because of You, John Lewis,” Colin Kaepernick’s “I Color Myself Different” and “I Am Ruby Bridges,” written by the activist herself.

[and “Justice Ketanji,” a picture book about the life of Ketanji Brown Jackson]

“You really have to wonder what exactly does somebody think could conceivably be objectionable about this book?” [PEN America CEO] Nossel said.

The fact that we have to go to this level to keep educators from being prosecuted due to laws restricting books is really gross. My grandfather, who fled Germany to the US during WWII and was wildly conservative, would be rolling over in his grave. Despite his entrenched, and I mean deeply entrenched, in conservative Republican values, he was adamant that banning access to books, banning access to art, and limiting education was death knell of the free society.

And he felt this way despite the fact that it meant accepting that by sending his daughters (one of whom was my mother) to school, they’d be bombarded with anti-German sentiments and ideology. His opinion was when you restrict the voice of the people, even the people who say things that you personally don’t like or disagree with, you restrict liberty.

But what would he know. He only lived Nazi Germany before fleeing when his grandfather (who lived in the US after fleeing during WWI) said “I’ve seen this before, you need to leave for America NOW.”