Good books deemed inappropriate

[Growlithe]

Hi,

I read with DD's Y4 class. Over the course of the last few weeks more and more of the children, girls and boys, are bringing David Walliams books in from home. They are devouring these books, and it's very encouraging to see them enjoy reading so much, especially as some of them had been reluctant readers.

I started a thread about him recently in Chat, as DD was enjoying his books so much, but wasn't aware of his talent in other areas. A few MNetters even commented about how the books were helping their DCs with reading difficulties.

I am dismayed to hear this week, that his books are now banned in the school for containing inappropriate language. Pupils can no longer bring them from home.

Yes, there are some words I would rather my DD did not use herself, but we've spoken about these, and I was appy for her to read them in the book and understand their context, knowing that she will be exposed to them sooner or later anyway.

But to ban brilliant books, that are doing wonders in encouraging children to read? I think the school is being very short sighted, but don't know if I am in a position to complain.

Does anyone know if there are actually any set guidelines on this sort of thing?

[veryconfusedatthemoment]

I also read with a year 4 class and again many of the kids (boys and girls) are reading the DW books and loving them. Seems shortsighted.

[PeasandCucumbers]

My DC are a bit younger (Y3 & Y2) and we have read Mr Stink as a bedtime family story but have yet to read any of his others. I wouldn't mind either of them reading the word git but would definitely not want them reading a book at school or bringing a book home from school where a girl was called a slag (as opposed to that term being used in the slagging off context which I wouldn't mind). As I said I haven't read any of the others but any obvious reference of porn mags is even more inappropriate. I wonder what age DW intended his books to be read by

[3birthdaybunnies]

Dd1 (nearly 8) has read them all, they were the first books to really inspire her to read, the first ones we caught her reading under the tablecloth at supper!

Having said that I can understand the school's perspective. It is different when it is read at home and a parent can explain the term, context, and inappropriate language. And judge for themselves if their child is mature enough to understand words but not use them. She is currently reading Hucklebury Finn(book club group), but due to some of the language we have carefully discussed the context, the sociopolitical situation in the USA then etc. And that certain words should never be said. I wouldn't be happy with her reading it unsupervised in class, chatting with friends about what it might mean. (I realise that they are not totally unsupervised, but it won't be on a 1 to 1 basis)

[SPBInDisguise]

I bought these for DS, he is only 5 so I assumed it would be a few years. I didn't know this and glad I do now

[prettydaisies]

Perhaps it's a subversive way to get children to read - think Spycatcher or Sons and Lovers or other banned books!

[treas]

Actually find the David Walliams books somewhat plot light.

[RaisinBoys]

DS read them all - loved them. I'm not at all worried about the language - it is in context and is not gratuitous in my opinion.

Banning books seems a little reactionary.

Incidentally Billionaire Boy is on the recommended reading list for the national 'Read for my School' competition

[Butkin]

DD took some money to the school Book Fair yesterday - where reduced books are sold with some profits going to the school. She bought Ratburger back and had rushed through the first couple of chapters before tea.

[Growlithe]

I think I'm going to read the lot myself, cover to cover, find out all the issues. I've only had them read to me by DD, and by her classmates in school.

For example, DD hasn't read 'The Boy in the Dress' yet, but is desperate to, so I didn't know about the reference to porn magazines. I think I would still let her read it though. She is 9 and as someone upthread said, it's hardly Fifty Shades.

Once I've read them I be better armed to ask the school why it's taken this stance, especially given the fact that one of the books is recommended reading in a national children's reading competition - thanks Raisin.

[amck5700]

My son once came home with a book that looked like a Harry Potter book but was actually a spoof - all about girls being taken into the woods and various other adult type stuff - Headmistress was and when I took it back to them. :o

So maybe there needs to be a bit of censorship but I don't think David Walliams falls on the banned side of the line.

[jalapeno]

I read Billionaire Boy and didn't rate it but if the kids like it I'm all for them reading it!

[Elibean]

dd is Y4, and just finished Gangsta Granny - which she enjoyed. Her school certainly hasn't banned it, though possibly wouldn't have it on its own shelves - brought in from home was fine!

I haven't read all of it, but the parts she's read out loud to me were fine for her age.