An award-winning children’s book was recently removed from general circulation at Loudoun County public elementary school libraries.
“And Tango Makes Three” by Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson is based on the true story of two male penguins who took turns sitting on an orphaned egg at theCentral Park Zoo. In the story, the penguins, Roy and Silo, start their family when the chick, Tango, is hatched.
A parent at Sugarland Elementary in Sterling filed a request with the school principal that the book be reviewed. The principal and several staff members deemed the book appropriate for general circulation.
The parent appealed the school’s decision with the Loudoun County Public Schools administration. According to David Jones, the LCPS library media supervisor, a district-level committee was formed with teacher, parent, school librarian and administrative representatives who reviewed the book and offered a recommendation toSuperintendent Edgar B. Hatrick III, who ultimately decided on the book’s status.
Dr. Hatrick determined that “And Tango Makes Three” should be taken out of general circulation at the elementary level and placed in each school’s professional library. Teachers may reference and share the book with students at their own discretion. Children and parents may not check the book out of the library.
The American Library Association cites “And Tango Makes Three” as one of 2006′s most challenged books.
David Weintraub, president of Equality Loudoun, a gay advocacy group, said that the rights of the parent who challenged this book trumped the rights of parents who may support it. “Loudoun County Public Schools serve children from all kinds of families, including families with two moms or two dads. The administration and school board need to remember that when confronted with this sort of book challenge.”
What are your thoughts on this LCPS book review?
Speaking of book reviews…
today from 4-6pm the public is invited to the LCPS administrative offices to review science textbooks that the school system has recommended for adoption.