Whitney Sanders Frit 7232 Reflection 1 Picture Book Controversy A picture book can show and tell a lifetime

of stories to young children. According to Perry Nodelman, picture books communicate information or tell stories through a series of many pictures combined with slight text or no text at all. (1990). Children and adults use these images or texts and interpret them into their own meanings. This is where picture book controversy transpires. Most picture books are written and intended for young audiences. In todays society this may or not be taken into account, thus, we experience controversy over inappropriate content in picture books. Many book titles are facing controversy and debate over the content within its pages. This is a highly debated topic in our schools and libraries todays. There are multiple reasons why a book would be considered controversial and reviewed to be removed from a shelf. Pictures, wording, subjects, religion, and morals, are a few reasons why a book would be challenged. Picture book controversy is a highly debated subject because of the differing opinions among individuals. Where one parent/teacher may think a topic or wording is challenging, another may not. Marta Magnuson spoke about three reasons why a book may be challenged. Her study focused on motives challengers have towards an acclaimed book, And Tango Makes Three. Concepts of scarcity, third-party effect, and First Amendment rights were looked at as motives. First, scarcity was discussed in that authors see an increase in sales when a book has been banned from shelves. Scarcity in this instance affects the books social aspect. This banned list sparks readers attention and they want to see for themselves and form their own opinions of right and

wrong. The second aspect used in Martas study was third-person effect. The article explained this as evaluating the effects of the message the controversy is giving. When critiquing a book and making our own decisions we form our own opinions. The thinking process is that the opinions we make will not affect ourselves but someone else (Davison, 1983, 3). Lastly, First Amendment rights are taking into consideration when looking at a banned title. The First Amendment gives us a freedom of speech, which is a point taken by ones who agree with banned titles. As a media specialist we have to remember this point and take into consideration. The freedom of speech is looked at before the books on our shelves. As I read through a few journal articles I began to change my thinking in challenged materials. I have heard about the banned library list and the controversy of picture books but I have never really thought about my own opinion of it. I believe that all books have an age appropriate theme, message, or overall topic. As a media specialist, it my job to be sure my students are choosing books that are appropriate for their age level. Also, as I am doing a whole group reading I need to choose a book that is neutral in topic, where no controversial issues will arise. I may have books in my collection that are on the banned list or have controversial issues, however this is the child right and freedom to read or look at. One example I found in my research was a banned book called, The Last Temptation of Christ by Peter Bien. This book was controversial due to its religious issues. This type of book in my opinion is not a book that should be banned. A library should have books covering all religions and all aspects of religion. Students have different beliefs and they need to have resources so that they can learn more about their belief. This proves my point and opinion in that a library should have controversial books so that students are given a fair opportunity to read and

learn about topics they are interested in. This topic will always be a matter of opinion and will be a topic that is always debated.

Works Cited Davison, W. P. (1983). The third-person effect in communication. Public Opinion Quarterly, 47(1), 115. Norton, D.E. (2011). Through the eyes of a child: An introduction to childrens literature. Boston: Pearson. Magnuson, M. L. (2011). Perceptions of self and the "other": An analysis of challenges to and tango makes three. American Library Association, 14. Retrieved from http://www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/aasl/aaslpubsandjournals/slmrb/slmrcontents/volume1 4/magnuson.cfm#works