Ill. Parents Seek to Ban Award-Winning Novel

Parents at an Illinois high school are trying to get Sherman Alexie’s The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian taken off the summer reading list, and out of the school’s library, the Chicago Tribune reports. “I can’t imagine anyone finding this book appropriate for 13- or 14-year-olds,” said one who showed up at a district board meeting, complaining that the book contained foul language and descriptions of sex.

At the very least, they want a warning on the book, and say students will think the school condones the profanity used in the book. But backers say it’s a realistic depiction of life for incoming freshmen. “That is like saying that because Romeo and Juliet committed teen suicide, we condone teen suicide,” said one teacher. “Kids know the difference.” (More Sherman Alexie stories.)