In the past several years, hundreds of challenges a year to books used in public schools have been reported across the nation. Most of these have come from the Religious Right. This book confronts the attacks on public education and commonly used literature books by challenging the religious assumptions, the biblical interpretations, and the intimidation tactics of the Religious Right. Part I counters the claims of these censors by presenting opposing views on democracy, secular humanism, religion, the Bible, morality, and the purposes of literature. In Part II, six books frequently taught in high school classes are analyzed. Edwards shows why they have been challenged by the Religious Right, and presents a case for their moral and religious virtues as well as their literary worth. The book differs from other anti-censorship works because it deals primarily and directly with the religious and moral aspects that educators often tend to avoid. This book offers teachers and school administrators scholarly conterarguments that can help confront with literature challenges from the Religious Right.

This handbook focuses on intellectual freedom as it relates to school library media centers and public libraries. The purpose of this handbook is to help public libraries and school districts develop and adopt necessary policies and procedures that will build a solid foundation for intellectual freedom as part of the community and school climate and provide sources of assistance when an expression of concern or a complaint occurs. Although it contains suggestions for classroom teachers faced with challenges, the handbook does not have a major focus on resources selected specifically for classroom instruction. It is divided into four sections: School District Policies and Procedures: Selection and Reconsideration; School District Policies and Procedures: Internet Access; Public Library Policies and Procedures: Selection and Reconsideration; and Public Library Policies and Procedures: Internet Access. Both of the Selection and Reconsideration sections contain information on the philosophical base, statutory base, resource selection policy, reconsideration policy, staff development, communication and public information, and reconsideration in practice. The Internet Access sections include information on Internet filters, Internet policy, staff development, and communication and public information. Appendices include a selected bibliography, Wisconsin statues and administrative rules, Intellectual Freedom Statement, challenges to materials in school libraries, and sources of assistance. (AEF)

Introduction to young adult literature to help motivate teenagers become life-long readers. Reader friendly and comphrehensive.