[Reforma_or] Challenges to George on the 2018-19 OBOB list

[Violeta GARZA]

Hi Reforma. ;D

I encourage us to provide feedback to the OBOB Title Chair around this
equity issue.

¡Gracias!

Violeta


---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Holly Campbell-Polivka <Hollyc at tigard-or.gov>
Date: Fri, Mar 2, 2018 at 2:21 PM
Subject: [kids-lib] Challenges to George on the 2018-19 OBOB list
To: "kids-lib at listsmart.osl.state.or.us" <kids-lib at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>,
"libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us" <libs-or at listsmart.osl.state.or.us>


Click With Care -
[image: Click With Care]

Many of you may be aware, but in case you’re not, I wanted to call
attention to the controversy surrounding *George*, by Alex Gino, being
included on the Grades 3 to 5 list for OBOB next year. There have been
complaints by parents because they do not feel *George* is an
age-appropriate title to be included on the list.



In case you are not familiar with the book, here is the publisher’s summary:



"When people look at George, they think they see a boy. But she knows she's
not a boy. She knows she's a girl. George thinks she'll have to keep this a
secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going
to be Charlotte's Web. George really, really, REALLY wants to play
Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part . . .
because she's a boy. With the help of her best friend, Kelly, George comes
up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can
know who she is, once and for all."



The response by the OBOB board up to this point is:



*“George* was nominated for the 2018-2019 OBOB Elementary Division when
title nominations were open for anyone to nominate up to three titles per
division that they think would be appropriate for OBOB within that grade
division. Members of the elementary title selection committee read George
and found that it met the selection criteria of OBOB which includes:

*It is an appropriate reading level for 3-5th grade.*

*It adds diversity of character, plot, perspective, and genre to the OBOB
reading list.*

*It is an award winning book that has high-quality writing and is
well-reviewed.*

Outside of the committees we read and consider the feedback we’ve received
from the feedback forms available for anyone to give feedback. There was
not sufficient feedback to cause concern for the committee to exclude the
book from the list.

The OBOB Handbook states:

*Once a title has been placed on the final list and announced to the
public, it cannot be removed.*

*In accordance with the Library Bill of Rights and its interpretations,
titles that otherwise meet the selection criteria will not be
excluded: ‘because of the origin, background or views of those contributing
to their creation;’ or ‘because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval;’
or ‘because of actual or suspected parental objections;’ or ‘in an effort
to avoid controversy with parents.’*

The OBOB Handbook also provides all the guidelines and the outline of how
titles are discussed and chosen under the heading ‘Criteria for the
Selection of Titles’.”



However, I understand that the decision is not actually final, and due to
the pressure being applied by those who feel it is inappropriate, George
may not remain on next year’s reading list. If you would like to provide
feedback, you may email obobtitlechair at gmail.com and oboblsta at gmail.com.



Holly Campbell-Polivka

Youth Services Librarian

Tigard Public Library

Direct: 503-718-2811 <(503)%20718-2811>

Children’s Desk: 503-718-2673 <(503)%20718-2673>

Hours: Wed 5:30-9:30; Fri 9:30-6; Sat 10-6:30



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-- 
*Violeta Garza*
*Gresham Regional Librarian*
*Gresham, Fairview, Rockwood, and Troutdale Libraries*
she/her/hers
385 NW Miller Ave.
Gresham, OR 97030
voicemail: 503.988.9707
My schedule: Tues-Sat
multcolib.org
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