Dr. Angelou's Book and Fond du Luc High School

I was catching up on my library reading and Maya Angelou's book "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" is being challenged, again. This time in Fond du Lac Wisconsin.

You can read the local news paper articles:

• Parents Want Angelou Book Banned from Fondy High
• Caged Bird Debate Continues in Fond du Lac
  
• Caged Bird Will Remain In the Classroom

My understanding based on the news articles is that the parents objected to their child reading the book. The high school made an accommodation to the parents by allowing the child to read another book.

The parents wanted the book removed from the English reading list but it would remain available in the library.

There are a number of side issues but this is a question that school libraries continues to face on a semester basis. What is appropriate reading material for, in this case, high school students?

Is a true factual story of childhood rape too intense for contemporary teenagers?

At what point does a society begin to engage young people on difficult real life issues? Do school libraries have a role to play in that process. Or is it a matter of community standard must be respected and upheld?

Sorry folks, I have far more questions than answers for you today.