Stuck In The Middle Returns To Maine School Libraries

[Rich Johnston]

The Sun Journal of Lewiston, Maine, reports that last night the ten strong board of the Regional School Unit votes that?*Stuck in the Middle: 17 Comics from an Unpleasant Age by Ariel Schrag should remain in middle school libraries in Dixfield, Mexico and Buckfield, although parental permission will be needed for the book to be lent out.

The presence of the graphic novel at Buckfield Junior-Senior High School was objected to by one parent who has borrowed the book, last year. The book was withdrawn and a committee asked to investigate the book, who reported to the RSU last year, recommending it be put back on the shelf.

Interestingly, two of those who voted against the decision, did so because they thought even the parental permission aspect was censorship.

Superintendent Tom Ward is reported to have said that this was the first time in his eight years as leader of a school district that a book was challenged.

[Jason A. Quest]

I'm of the opinion that the comics of Ariel Schrag should be required reading in middle/high school (with parents given the option of having their children opt out and read Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret instead). But that's just because I think that society should be doing things to help teens get thru adolescence.

[GreyMouser]

thats a bit much, IMO Jason. but im very glad they didnt ban it altogether.