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Date: Fri, 11 Jun 1999 12:22:34 -0400 (EDT)
To: pubyac-digest@nysernet.org
Subject: pubyac V1 #719
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Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 13:57:01 -0700
From: Edmonds Library Youth Services <edm-youth@sno-isle.org>
Subject: Re: Classics with offensive language?
Pisces0243@aol.com wrote:
<snip>
> I think it is interesting that there has been a flow of dialogue regarding
> the Kozol book (well deserved!), while the dialogue over Rinaldi's book
> fizzled. hmm... I think the Rinaldi book bares many serious
> dilemmas, with which some of us might prefer not to face:
>
> * about the extent to which we rely on *our* professional literature
> reviews,
> often without even looking to the subject field literature reviews.
>
> * relatedly, about how *our* professional publications farm out and manage
> reviewing
>
> * about buying into the "well known author", "successful
series" and "major
> publisher" thing -- along the lines of "well, it will be a
popular series
> from an
> influential publisher, so we have to have it."
>
> * about the tricky genre of historical fiction, especially
"targeted" to
> children
> and young adults to support learnin'
>
> I'd like to see us pick up the Rinaldi/My Heart thread again.
>
> thom stuart
> St. Cloud, MN
OK, I went to Oyate and was quite convinced by the review there that
this work is not just misguided but riddled with inaccuracies. I've
never been to Carlisle but have talked with local people whose immediate
ancestors went through similar cultural destruction here (western
Washington state); their observations support Oyate's review.
Yes, I think that we do suffer from the "well-known author" syndrome
[we
just accept whatever prolific authors tell us because of our respect for
their previous work], but this is mostly for lack of time to critically
read the reviews. Books go out of print so quickly that we often can't
wait for more than the first couple of reviews to appear before making
decisions. But perhaps we can ask reviewing media to take special care
with certain kinds of materials, with this travesty as a prime example.
Incidentally, I also went to the Scholastic web site to see what they
have to say about this book; they quote a section where the girl defends
her name and her past, but say nothing about any controversy.
Interesting, no?
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Children's Librarian, Edmonds Library, Wash.
edm-youth@sno-isle.org
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Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 21:07:58 -0400
From: Catherine Chesher <cchesh@tc3net.com>
Subject: Taking a stand suggestions
I have a patron looking for a book appropriate for a 5th grader where the main
character takes a stand or position on a particular issue (her example was
should kids be allowed to take backpacks to school). She would like the book to
show the thought process behind taking the position and the character's actions
supporting that decision. Any suggestions?! I'm drawing a blank. I can think of
books appropriate for an older audience. I thought of Shiloh but I'm not sure if
that's exactly what she's looking for.
I don't know if this will help, but the patron is preparing a lesson plan for a
job interview for a teaching position. Thanks.
Cathy Chesher
Adrian Public Library
Adrian, Michigan
cchesh@tc3net.com
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Date: Wed, 09 Jun 1999 18:56:01 -0500
From: Kim Flores <kimf@mail.orion.org>
Subject: Stumper
I need your help with two stumpers:
The first is a book in which the words of the book make a circle and the
book must be turned around and around as it is read. The patron says it
has bizarre illustrations such as lamps that look like animals. She
read it when she was a child, around 20 years ago.
The second stumper is a poem about a little girl who has a quarrel with
a playmate named Katie Carew (don't know about the spelling). After a
walk in the woods, she calms down and decides to apologize and a wise
old owl says "Do...Do". If you can help with either or both, reply
directly to me at kimf@mail.orion.org
Thanks,
Kim
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 08:12:20 -0500 (CDT)
From: Sue Abrahamson <sabraham@owlsnet.owls.lib.wi.us>
Subject: Re: Wringer
I too must say I was a little taken back at the characters in Wringer.
They made me feel awful. However, there is a coorelation to be made with
the coming of age/violence issue in Wringer and the American hunting
mystique. I wonder about the number of Wisconsin boys whose fathers long
for the day they can take their sons out for their first November deer
hunt and the pressure those boys get from peers, family, society... I
think Wringer encourages discussion of handling this conflict with
dignity. I'm thinking of using it in a future Father/Son book discussion.
Has anyone tried this?
Now my only problem with Wringer is that pigeon that visits his window
sill.
Sue Abrahamson
Asst. Youth Librarian
Waupaca Public Library
Waupaca, WI
On Tue, 8 Jun 1999 mellifur@tiac.net wrote:
> I have to say that I hated this book. It turned my stomach. <snip>
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:45:17 -0400
From: "Deborah Brightwell" <dbright@ci.coppell.tx.us>
Subject: Texas Cinderella Solved
Thanks to everyone for their quick response to my question about the Texas
Cinderella. The book I was looking for turned out to be Bubba The Cowboy Prince
by Helen Ketteman. The patron I was looking for it for is a member of our
library board and she is traveling soon to Germany and wanted to take a book
with a Texas theme to share with some students. You guys are all right!
Debbie Brightwell
Children's Librarian
Coppell Public Library
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 09:29:50 -0400
From: espicer <espicer@accn.org>
Subject: Re: Wringer
Just a few brief comments to the "no redeeming social value" remarks
about Parker's friends. I loved this book and one of the thing I loved
about it was Parker's desire to fit in with these kids (and the Mom's
revulsion). The description of his birthday party was a great piece of
writing showing how both Mom and son felt about the presents to Parker.
Spinelli needed these kids and this event, exactly these kids and this
event, to make the point that good behavior is not the same thing as
social behavior or accepted behavior, nor are the choices limited to
just children or just adults.
I can understand mellifur's objection to the pigeon shootings; I would
like to suggest that this event was chosen precisely because it would
evoke that kind of response and discussion with kids (and adults).
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 10:44:18 -0400
From: Robin Del Guidice <guidicr@scfn.thpl.lib.fl.us>
Subject: Re: Classics with offensive language?
Pisces0243@aol.com wrote:
> Now, returning to *My Heart is on the Ground*: <snip>
I also would like to get back to this book.
I thought I had missed the discussion of My Heart is on the Ground" while
away on
vacation. But I guess, from this posting, that there wasn't one. I would like to
hear what other people have to say.
We had just seen the book on our book exam when I got the e-mail that indicated
there might be problems with it. We quickly pulled it for further consideration
while we looked at the issues.
I find it very disturbing that a book in a popular series, that many kids will
undoubtedly read (whether we buy it or not), is so badly flawed. I would expect
a
reputable author and publisher to be accurate about the facts and sensitive to
the
cultures represented. It seriously makes me wonder about other titles in this
series. A news article in the June SLJ also indicates that the author and
publisher chose to ignore advice from their fact-checker. The publisher's answer
is to make the disclaimer that the work is fiction more prominent . To me this
is
not enough. Can't authors write historical fiction without distorting the facts?
Her insensitivity in using real names of children was also, IMHO,
unconscionable.
Although, I place the most blame for this book with the author and publisher, I
am
also concerned that those reviewing in our professional media were unable to
pick
up on the problems with this book. I know that our professional reviewers are
often doing this on a volunteer basis and that they are children's literature
specialists, not subject specialists. However, we need to be made more aware of
cultural, historical and subject discrepancies. I don't care how popular a
series
is, it should be factually accurate - especially when it is dealing with
historical events. Do we really want our kids to think that those Native
American
children enjoyed being taken from their families, given new names and turned
into
"good little Americans?" I think we need to present this as one of the
mistakes
in our history and make sure it doesn't happen again. Kids need the truth. They
are not sophisticated enough to know when they are reading fact and when it is
fiction. It seems to me that a reputable author should be able to tell a good
story without distorting the facts. Isn't that what good historical fiction
should
be?
We decided not to buy the book - even though the series is very popular.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 15:55:38 GMT
From: angie boyer <angib99@hotmail.com>
Subject: Re: ice cream puppet skits
I am posting this for a colleague. Does anyone have any ice cream
plays, puppet skits or ice cream stories? For the past three years they
have had a "world's biggest sundae" party for the end of summer and
are
running out of ideas?
You can post directly to me at lisas@mail.orion.org
Thanks in advance.
Lisa,
In regards to the ice cream stories, plays, etc. These are some of the
stories that I have found. Hope they help.
"Ice Cream Soup" by Gail Herman
"The Care Bears' party cookbook" by Jane O'Connor
"The chocolate sundae mystery" by Gertrude Chandler Warner
Angie
_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 13:41:27 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Karen A.K. Keller" <kkeller@tln.lib.mi.us>
Subject: Job Posting
HEAD of CHILDREN'S SERVICES. Creative, team-oriented MLS-ALA librarian to
supervise staff and coordinate children's services in a vibrant, busy
department who can keep up the momentum. This is a full-time position in
a new library in a growing community. Starting salary: $31,588, full
benefit package. Visit: http://www.brighton.lib.mi.us. Send resumes to:
Director, Brighton District Library, 200 Charles H. Orndorf Drive,
Brighton, Michigan 48116-4328. Fax: 810/229-3161.
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 11:35:58 -0700
From: Angela Reynolds <angelar@wccls.lib.or.us>
Subject: Stumper: Dad in office
A mother is looking for this picture book, she believes it was new
around 1989.
Family has Dad in upstairs office. There is lots of noise from the
kids, Mom takes kids away so dad can have quiet. Dad realizes it is too
quiet.
Perhaps he hears the dog sit by his office door. Illustrations are
colorful, realistic. We've checked our card catalog, A to Zoo. Anyone
recognize this?
TIA--
Angela J. Reynolds
Youth Services Librarian
West Slope Community Library
3678 SW 78th Portland, OR 97225
503-292-6416 FAX: 503-292-6932
angelar@wccls.lib.or.us
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 14:49:37 -0500
From: "Don Wood" <dwood@ala.org>
Subject: Patrons jailed for overdue library books
FYI: Patrons jailed for overdue library books
http://news.excite.com/news/u/990610/12/news-overdue
________________________
Don Wood
American Library Association
Office for Intellectual Freedom
50 East Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
800-545-2433, ext. 4225
Fax: 312-280-4227
dwood@ala.org
http://www.ala.org/oif.html
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:06:23 -0400
From: Christine Hill <chill@willingboro.org>
Subject: Re: Wringer
Like everyone else, I am mystified that the complainant does not see that
Wringer's message is anti-violence. Does she think that boys will no longer be
forced into a culture of group violence by their peers if the book is banned?
Such coercion existed long before the book and would continue if the book were
removed. Wringer is an eye-opener to women and girls (especially mothers of
boys) as to why their gentle little fellows change for the worse. And, most
important, it gives courage to boys who want to resist.
Christine M. Hill
Willingboro Public Library
One Salem Road
Willingboro, NJ 08046
chill@willingboro.org
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 16:45:45 -0400
From: Jane Connor <janec@leo.scsl.state.sc.us>
Subject: JOB OPPORTUNITY IN South Carolina
I have been asked to post this by the library director.
Pickens County is in northwest South Carolina in the foothills of the
mountains. It is a growing area close to Greenville. The library system
has a headquarters in Easley and three branches, which are in new or
expanded facilities. A new headquarters building is in the early
plnanning stages.
Immediate opening for a Children's Coordinator for the Pickens County
Libary System.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is a professional supervisory and administrative position.
Responsible for the efficient organization and running of the Children's
Department. Responsibilities include the structure of the preschool
program and training of its program staff, the organization and training
of staff for the Summer Reading Program, the understanding of children's
literature and concurrent ability to develop our collection,
understanding of public relations, and its effect on library programs.
Strong background in Library Science, including children's, public
service, and supervision.
Knowledge of computers and online research tools necessary.
REQUIREMENTS:
Masters in Library Science and up to three years experience
(preferably in the children's department). A background in supervision,
administration, and experience in working with the public is needed.
Good written and verbal abilities, understanding of working courteously
with the public, computer literacy and supervisory skills needed.
SALARY
Beginnng Salary $33,058
HOW TO APPLY
Submit resume and application through the South Carolina State
Employment Service at 317 Summit Drive, Liberty, SC 29657 or to Ms.
Marguerite D. Keenan, Director, Pickens County Library System, 110 West
First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.
- --
Jane G. Connor
Children's Services Consultant
South Carolina State Library
P.O. Box 11469
Columbia, SC 29211
803-734-8666 Fax: 803-734-8676
Janec@leo.scsl.state.sc.us
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Date: Thu, 10 Jun 1999 18:41:36 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jeri Kladder <jkladder@gcfn.org>
Subject: Re: pubyac V1 #714
Jamie, (et. al.)
This is in response to the comments below about the Ann Rinaldi
book My Heart Is On The Ground, part of the Dear America series. I've
read both the lengthy commentary on Oyate.com and the book itself. Though
I can't speak for the Native American community I got the distinct
impression that many of the commentators were reading the book through a
filter of enragement over the events that happened 120 years ago. The
atrocities visited upon these children are inexcusable. However, Rinaldi
is conjecturing a fiction story based on where one child starts in her
"Indian-ness" and how the boarding school situation changes her. The
changes this fictional character undergoes may not be ones that many of
today's Native Americans would like to have seen happen in the book, but
there was nothing that I saw in my first read that indicated the
impossibility of Rinaldi's story.
Instead of condemning the book for the story Rinaldi didn't tell,
why don't they suggest juvenile titles that would give alternative reactions
to the boarding school situation? If none exist, then maybe someone from
closer to the experience needs to write one. As for Rinaldi's
research---I think she did a pretty good job of setting up the initial
situation and then working her characters through some life-changing
experiences with sensitivity and logic. A child one step removed from the
"Life-In-The-Before_Time as Little Rose was is less likely to react true
to tradition as the naysayers would hope.
And, in my opinion, no one book in my collection can do it all.
Children need and should be shown that "truth" lies somewhere within
the
comparison of several points of view--"truth" not only in what
happened
but in what was likely to happen subsequently as events leave their mark
on the book's characters.
Off my soap-box now. I'll get my asbestos suit ready for the flames.
- - jeri
Jeri Kladder, Children's Librarian & Storyteller
jkladder@freenet.columbus.oh.us
Columbus Metropolitan Library
Columbus, Ohio
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End of pubyac V1 #719
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