Sherman Alexie Book Faces Protest

A Helena woman says a book used in sophomore English classes at Helena Public Schools is obscene and vulgar, and she wants it removed. Michele Smith submitted a request for reconsideration of educational materials to the central office for “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie. A public hearing is scheduled for 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at the Front Street Learning Center. Smith read the book after her daughter expressed being uncomfortable reading it as an assigned book for her class at Helena High School. … The teacher helped the family opt out and selected a different book for the assignment, but Smith says that’s not enough/ Alana Listoe , Helena Independent Record. More here .

• New York Times story re: Alexie’s controversial book here
  

Question: I can see a parent asking a teacher to opt his/her child out of a reading assignment involving a book that might be too ‘adult’ for the child. I did that when Junior was a freshman in high school. But I find it bothersome that the parent wants to impose a blanket ban. How about you?