There is a difference between pornography and literature and educators understand what that difference is. One would expect intelligent parents to decipher that as well. If one reads certain sections of the bible, one could conclude that "pornography" also. We have to be really careful when it comes to "banning books." Something a newspaper ought to be editorially against.

@Dennis: it is porn. When the kids turn 18 as adults thry can decide to read it. As a parent, I decide whats acceptable until that time. What ever happened to exposing our kids to the classics so they actually learn about literature?

I don't think anyone wants to "ban" these books. It is being suggested that these books with explicit sexual passages be removed from the summer reading list. I have to admit that I'm surprised that books with that sort of content would be offered for a 9th grade reading list - maybe 12th or 11th grades would be more acceptable. I actually let my 4th grader pick up a book from the 9th grade reading list (not one in the article) because I thought that since it was on the table, it would be a safe, good read. I guess I need to be more careful in the future. Thanks for the eye opener!

Not appropriate for 11th or 12th grade either.

For everybody demanding these books be banned from the optional summer reading list, Should these books also be removed from the school library and also the public library? Also, why can't a parent be involved in slecting what they beleive to be an appropriate book for the summer reading assignment?

I read Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test when I was 13, without apparent long term psychological damage. By age 16 or 17, there was nothing discussed in the books that we were not already talking about among ourselves. If parents think that the subjects in the book are inappropriate for their children, then they are extending their children's adolescence long past the time in which it is healthy, or unrealistic as to the abilities of a 16 or 17 year old to formulate moral and ethical choices based on the upbringing we, as parents have given them, up to that point.
EKAT is a classic, by a writer of iconic status. If it's the only thing they read, then society fails. If they place it in context with literature from all time, including Stendahl, Conrad, Hugo, Dante, etc., then they can draw the appropriate lessons, both positive and negative.
Parents, grow up.

What great comments on this issue. In my opinion, it is not the subject matter that is objectionable, the wording itself is explicitly offensive. Age of the children *does* factor into this. You need to draw the line by having family members and those in the education field teaching sex. They need to be bombarded with what is right and what is not acceptable behavior. Half-truths, giggling and hushed voices coming from their friends certainly bombard them so you need to offset that with a good offense. Everyone needs to be involved. There is only a fraction of a lifetime to shield them from the nasty parts of this society and teach them the good and moral things.

I agree that those books should not be removed from the library shelves however due diligence must be provided. Keep in mind what many of us read 15, 20, 30 or more years ago and how we viewed our world is highly different from today's young people. It seems they have a much broader spectrum, more paths from which to chose and we need to guide them safely and responsibly.

Peace.

Yet we blame violence on video games and movies, where are these adolescent minds, if we can blame movies, video games and such for this violent behavior do you mean if we say don't play those games or watch those movies we are extending their adolescence long past the time in which it is healthy?

I think it needs to be stressed that this is an optional reading list. The teens aren't forced to read these particular books. If the books make you uncomfortable, that is fine, you don't have to read them (or allow your teens to read them). Why prevent other teens from reading the books?

Or, you can use the books as a teaching opportunity. "How did that situation make you feel?" "What are some of the consequences of that situation?" "What would you have done in that situation?"

It comes down to responsible parenting. When the list is released, take a look & familiarize yourself with the selections. If you are unfamiliar with the options, visit your library & speak with the library staff.

if our children wear a shirt that is offensive, drug/ alcohol /sexual reference - tank tops or shorts and skirts to short parent has to provide change of clothes. Explain this when the school has these books for our teens to read. And as for they see it on tv or movies anyway ,well if they see a rape on the news does that mean it is alright, if they see a drug manufacturing citizen are drugs then ok? This makes as much sense as their no bully policy, which is just ignore the kid, he'll stop. Really, then his friends get involved. Great policies East Penn!

By 9th grade, every student knows what sex is. Unfortunately, most have already done it. This is a book with some passages in it. Big deal. Let's put this into perspective. They learn about sexual intercourse back in 4th grade. So guess what, they already know about this stuff. How many movies have killing, sex, and/or drugs as part of the story? To all the parents that call these books porn, do you say the same about the Sunday paper? God forbid, it may have a flyer of a woman in just a bra and underwear.

Bra and underwear last I knew totally different than oral sex. D.A.R.E. program doesn't seem to go with tripping in the sixties . Mixed messages, yes. Although some parents bring their children up with morales, and most are brought up knowing right from wrong and what a family expects, according to Jason most have done it. Who would be the first parent to complain if their child were caught performing oral sex on someone or we're arrested for experimenting with drugs. Not saying ban books, just saying use common sense in selecting books for a
List (not mandatory) for teens, who have enough problems without having peer pressure from permissive, oh my kids know it all anyway and have probably done it already, parents .

My son was also reading a book from the school list this summer and personally it was not age appropriate. The book was Twisted. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twisted_%28novel%29

'School Director Francee Fuller said that she had no problem with these books being on the high school’s optional summer reading list, especially since the books are optional and the book descriptions caution parents about the content.'

Go to the EPSD website and look at the description of "Prep". there is not one word of caution about sexual content in the description. I will check it out again in a few days because they will prolly change it now that it has been brought out to the general publics eye. I will wait and see what happens before I post the description that was on the page on 9/10. Again, yes kids are gonna do what they're gonna do. That does not mean that we should be the ones putting it out there for them.

Well Jeff, you should come to the next board meeting on the 24th. There will most likely be many concerned parents there. I have been told by some that they will be there. We shall see what their reply to the questions are and we can take it from there. This is not an isolated incident, since checking into this, there is many complaints like this in many districts around the country.Seems our old standard of morals is being beaten down all over. As a group we can begin to change this, as one or two people you know you would get brushed off. Please join us next meeting.

'Or, you can use the books as a teaching opportunity. "How did that situation make you feel?" "What are some of the consequences of that situation?"'

Yeah right...... It was warm and sticky. It made my cheeks swell when his semen shot into my mouth. Consequences, LOL!

Exactly what type of learning tool? The kind a paret wants to ask their teen about. Not any I know.

*parent*

Sorry for the repeition. For those demanding these books come off the summer reading list, should these books also be taken out of the school library and the public library? Also, why can't concerned parents be involved in selecting the summer reading assignment with their children?

My daughter, her father, and I chose her two books to read together. Yes, one of these books was on her 9th grade suggested list. I went down the list, told her which books I had read and if I enjoyed them. My husnd did the same. That book was crossed out as were a few others, all for different reasons. I told my daughter it was too "racy" for her - she knew I meant it had adult situations or sexual content. She ended up reading Great Expectatons, Slaughterhouse Five and Uncle Toms Cabin. They were all wonderful books. I can only hope that the parents who are lucky enough to have children that want to read over the summer take the time to go over these lists with their children. How do I feel about this book being on the list?? Well, it was really quite easy to cross it and a few others off the.list from the get go. Would I cross it off if she were a senior??? Probably not.

I say let parents sit with there kids and discuss what books they should read. Put more racy books in that way it forces parents to do there job and actually be involved in there kids life. Most parents kids already have sex by 9th-12th grade so why not discuss topics instead of banning a book all together.

as a parent who does her job, I am thankful that my children and I had a relationship where they could come to me with anything. I had the Respect of My children, and still do today. They know my values, they know what is expected of a decent human being. it's amazing how many teens according to all these responses are having sex. Where is the responsibility of a parent doing their job? Would any of you stand before Jesus and read these books out loud? Would you take them to church and read
them with the youth group? My job as a parent is to direct and protect my children and hope that their friends are raised in a similar fashion. We as parents should be concerned about the comments here about how many teens are having sex, and apparently how early they are, that can't be blamed on books, it's the message from the parents. Acceptance of this "normal" behavior should concern everyone.

I just think we should have the right for a parent to choose and discuss with there kids what's right. I'm not trying to get god or religion into that cause it's whatever a family believes in or that individual person be kid or parent. If parents are involved then depending on maturity a book can be taken differently then those that are not mature enough. Yes most people know kids in Ehs and other schools are having sex in hs even as early as 9th grade there's no secret there since you can see pregnant girls go all the time. It doesn't matter if a kid is or isn't cause as a parent you never will be 100 percent certain no matter how certain you may be so the only thing we can do is teach them and be there for them in all aspects of life. You take a book away but you got social media and tv and music everything going into there brain that trying to take away the things isn't the answer its more of having them learn from it and the consequences of the choices one that with what the subject may be. A books a book yet you can see worse stuff on tv regular none paid cable and seeing how awhile back we had that story about that website with nude photos of the hs girls on it it seems the current generation of kids need a good wake up call when it comes to life cause obviousy parents are not working for some

If I were 15, and I saw the uproar over these books, the first thing I would have done would be to scrape together my pennies and run down to the used book store to buy a copy (or download it). Thanks for pointing out to bright, inquisitive students the exact kind of books that will interest them.

My reading list, when I was 15, was The Magus, by John Fowles, The Brothers Karamazov and something called The Romance of Lust, which was a real 19th century pornographic book. My father found it and took it away from me, but I think he was secretly happy that I was a normal, teenage boy.

I had read Electric Koolaid Acid Test two years before, because one of it's protagonists was Neil Cassidy, of whom Kerouac wrote about. I had read all of Kerouac when I was 12. So, anyone who thinks that an 18 year old is not ready for this stuff has forgotten what it was to be 18.

No one says an 18 year old can't read this "literature", and I use the term loosely. Since when does reading pornographic material make a"normal boy" Obviously the word "normal" is a reader of pornography! And as to bringing religion into this, if this is appropriate reading material, take it to church and share it. Why is it said that teen brains are impulsive? 18 sure read it , 14-17 not mature enough , even physicians say that a teens hormones are racing through their bodies , why would we as parents and teachers encourage their reading these things. Want to teach your children, use materials from a physician not a book that can not be used as a teaching tool . After all do you want to sit and talk to your child about oral sex, gang banging and drugs, are you going to share your experience with these things with your children? Or, can you share a beautiful experience! I guess your choice whether you view pornography with your child or not!

Well I say leave religion out of it cause my views towards religion for me is let my kid believe whatever he wants since me personally doesn't believe in any of that crap from personal experiences. Religion has nothing to do with the books unless you let a church tell you what you can and can not read or watch on tv which for me personally sounds alot like the churches back in the past where they would hang you if you got caught doing something against there word. Noone can say that 18 is mature and 17 isn't or below since I feel that it's up to the parent to figure out if there child is. If I have a kid who is 17 or 16 and her friends have sex but she doesn't and I feel he hasn't and is an honor student and never does anything bad that I know about and understands things then I would let her read what she wants then if I had someone who was a wild girl who I knew was partying with friends and stuff since we all were young so there def are times when I'm sure the kids have done something we wouldn't be happy about without knowing. This board is becoming so aggressive almost where some are sounding like those people Who would burn books and stuff compared to people Who like freedom of speech and media and literature. You can be as uptight as you want that's your giving right and everyone's few is correct and incorrect since noone can say ones the right path or not.

Chances are your kids prolly have done something sexual, drank, partied, master*****, whatever the point is as a parent there always will be times are kids can do something and we don't know. We try to know so instead of being strict and locking them down from the world I feel we should discuss more and be involved more but let them make the right choices. If my kids got pressured into drugs and they say no I feel I did a good job then if I tried to be strict and not let them rea or watch a show and them wanna try something they saw. Discuss with them what's happening and the negative impact it has. You can't really win in today's age since they go to school and talk to friends about everything you don't want to. I heard from a girl that some girls sit and talk about sex or who's losing it soon or boys ask for photos of girls and it spreads around even good girls that haven't done anything wrong take one cause they like a guy. It's a sad world a parent can't be everywhere but we sure can be involved and discuss things more then ban them outright like books and tv.

well believe it or not what you said just proves exactly what I said! By accepting that your child will have probably already had sex, reading a book suggested by school
As optional reading is not a correct way to introduce sex to your child. Discussing sex with proper materials is. By talking to my child about how beautiful sex can be is a lot better than discussing how ta book talks about oral sex. No one but you said anything about burning books, we are just saying use common sense, which is sorely lacking today.And again should we accept without question our
Children learning about sex from uninformed children. I think not, that is where (our) jobs as patents comes in. As far as church, not one person here said we choose a church for our teens, except one person. Uptight, no concerned about morales, yes!

*a*. *parent*

Children will learn about sex according to their nature and parents upbringing. My parents were neither liberal nor repressive in discussing sex. What they taught me about was responsibility. Because of these lessons, somehow I got through the minefield of being a teenager without permanent harm.
As a teenage boy, I was supremely interested in sex. Anyone who thinks that this is not "normal" for a teenage boy is not privy to the world of teenage boys. It permeated every decision we made, from our friends to our sports, the cars we wanted (we couldn't actually afford them in those days) and certainly our conversation.
To temper these natural inclinations that every boy has(and probably girl. I am not one of them, but my wife will attest to her rampant interest in the subject as a teenager), we have to teach children the consequences of sex. And, actually, the lives of Ken Kesey, Neil Cassidy and many of the other characters in Electric Kool Aid Acid Test are good studies in how not to live your life. Ken Kesey ruined his talent and Neil Cassidy died alone somewhere in Mexico.
The scenes in the Electric Kool Aid Acid Test are explicit but they are not pornographic. There is quite a difference. The purpose of these scenes is illustrative.
As long as parents are made aware that what is printed in the book may counter their personal beliefs, I see no value in removing an important book from the reading list.

Having been "privyl" to the world of boys through my four sons, I can say that it is perfectly normal to have sexual feelings and is quite healthy. How they choose to express those feelings, can be a concern. As a mother of two daughters, I am "privy" to their feelings also. None of my children are or we're afraid to discuss anything with me. They know I am their parent, not a friend and respect my feelings as I respect theirs. Teaching children is the job of a parent, consequences are also taught by the parent. I have a personal belief that it should not come from a book that people feel is an important teaching tool. Your own life's experiences are a great teaching tool, discussing another teens experience and how it affects your child is another. When my children were mature enough to choose their books they did so. Which is what most parents here are saying they did, chose not to let them read the offensive material. At some point we as parents must accept the morality of our children. Being "privy" is every reason to teach our children right from wrong. What can be beautiful or what could be a devastating experience as the emotions involved in sex also run high. I grew up in the seventies, I have plenty to discuss with my children.

Linda, I am not sure if we were classmates. I graduated from Emmaus in 74. So, we are of the same generation with the same influences. We processed them differently, because of our differing life filters.
Boys are certainly not going to learn about sex from their parents. There is no possible way a 15 year can discuss his feelings, actions, wants and desires with his parents. I would suggest that any teenager and parent who can have these conversations has an unhealthy relationship.
What children need are guidelines to sort our these feelings, as they will get their knowledge on their own initiative, through books, magazines, friends, and the back seat of Dad's old Chevrolet with the cute new girl who just came from Philadelphia. Nothing intrigued us more as teenagers than movies and books that were forbidden. The reality was almost always far tamer than our imaginations. So, the question before us is:
Should a school suggest only books that have a sexual or drug taking subject matter that is at the lowest end of students experience, the highest end or somewhere in the middle.
As a student at Emmaus in 1974, I can assure that drugs, normal sex and alcohol were at the middle of the spectrum. To only suggest books that ignored these subject would have been highly irrelevant to us, as students. .Children are not raised on a diet of A Tale of Two Cities and the Scarlet Letter.

I agree with David the world is a different place now and regardless of what someone says about the matter the fact remains kids will learn about sex from school with there classmates and interactions in there generation. Sure every kid knows about sex and all the basics but I highly doubt the norm is talking to your daughter about oral or anal or anything like that. Those things are learned from other classmates and in media and Internet. If that's the case then I feel a book which has words not pictures wouldn't really change much if the kid already knows what that subject matter involves. Kids these days know more about sex then parents and detailed things since they are more up to date with the world and what's happening since they are connected to everything like social media and friends and such. A book is like a tv show yes a parent can decide what's appropriate for there child but if a child has an impulse either sexually or in a book no parent can stop that just try and slow it down so I say let kids read books they can relate to long as they actually understand what's going on in them and the consequences of what happens involving the subject matter

Try 50 shades of grey a very popular book but very sexual you have teens reading that book in hs for leisure to some that's shocking but it doesn't even compare to the fact that our kids already know about everything in that book and it doesn't shock them. A pregnant teen is like a fashion statement now with media and all so it's sad to know that's what things have become. We can guide them and help then as much as we can but sooner or later the kids will do what they want and make there own mistakes

Air Force town upstate New York , a father or mother talking to their child as being unhealthy, wow hope you don't just let your child read about sex or learn from friends or just grope their way through. A farther discussing sex with his son or a mother with her daughter is far from unhealthy. As for the books I can only say all our conversations are just that with each of us having
our own opinions and the school district having the final say!

*father*

To the writer of this article, I want to know why you felt the need to post my physical address on this article but did not bother to post the addresses of the other people who are involved in your report. Seidenberger, Ballard, Fuller, or Stolz do not have their addresses listed behind their names and I would appreciate your reasoning for this. Not that it is a big deal, I can fully protect my home, just hope I don't have the need.

We can teach by our mistakes, hope our kids learn from it, to spare them the pain. As for oral or anal sex obviously it has been around for a long time, not everyone does it. A pregnant teen, it then becomes societies problem with welfare etc. As for the world being a different place you're correct back in the seventies we had Woodstock ,Joplin,Hendrix ,Morrison perfect examples to teach our children of lives wasted. Didn't seem that then, but now it does. Much said about 50 shades of grey, if adult feels that's fine for their child, go for it. My and I state my opinion, is open communication with my children . The school will do what the school will do. I for one will let my child be a child as long as he needs to, there is plenty of years left in his life to be an adult.

Jeff I surely would hope you don't have the need to. I wonder why they did publish your address. Emmaus would have been fine. I'm sure it is just something that is done and maybe should be discussed with the author of article. Lord knows we can have some discussions on here. :)

Linda, I am also a military brat.
I have this hilarious vision of going to my father for a father/son talk when I was 16. I was already on tour with a rock band.
Here is how that conversation might have gone:
Me: "Dad, last night after the show, two girls came up and want to go together to their house. I liked the one, and really wanted to be with her, but didn't find the other attractive. I am intrigued about the whole threesome thing, but want them both to be hot."
Dad: "And what did you say there phone number was?"
Or, what sort of conversation are you going to have with your gay son or daughter? "Dad, which girl should I date? The one with the 84 piercings in her face and mohawk, or the one who looks like Chaz Bono?"
Believe me, you can not have a real conversation with your child. They will only let you in to 5% of their world.

maybe in your world . Thank God not everyone has such a difficult time discussing anything with their
Children. Let yours learn from back seats, magazines, books etc. as for me I will guide my children and discuss the way they should be respectful while living in my home and how they would want their sons or daughters to be treated.

This is naivety. Your children are learning about sex from all those sources and they are feeding you dribs and drabs, to make you think you are in the loop. We all played this game. Tell your parents a little bit, so that they don't really know what's going on.
My children are not unsophisticated. One is a college professor and the other is a in the entertainment business and working on the latest Scorsese movie. The moral and ethical choices that they were faced with at age 15 were not for parental discussion. That would have involved betrayal of friends, and insecurities they would be unwilling to discuss and forcing us, as parents to tell them to do things we, in fact, were guilty of. It would have turned all of us into hypocrites, and children despise hypocrites.
My children knew the guidelines.-- Don't make mistakes that are irrevocable. Honor all commitments. Consider the lives and reputation of your parents. Make the people who love you proud of you.
Every day after school, every weekend, every summer vacation, they were confronted with real world test of their ethical precepts and applied them. It seems to have worked.
There are 1000 details of my life my parents wouldn't have wanted to know, and it is the same with my children. To get closer impinges on the privacy due to anyone.
But, back to the central point. As long as parents know that the books exceed their family guidelines, why restrict the choice of others, when reading is voluntary?

Do you know my children?

Unless you know my children, how they were raised you can't say what they tell or don't tell me. Since you are taking it upon yourself to speak for all children everywhere, it must be wonderful to have that power to do so. There are rules in a home, not a house but a home, as long as you are a minor or adult living in this home, it's not your room it's ours. There is privacy and minors have a limited amount. As children become parents they also want to direct and protect their children.

The point of the books, no one wants to stop anyone who doesn't care if their children read them. But I do believe in Having the right to say , I don't agree with it and if your child wants to discuss it, I know it won't be with
My child because my child is strong enough in himself to say don't want to hear it.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/school-official-explains-embarrassing-typo-public-school-sports-165116379.html

i feel its one of those topics that will always have a debate...whats right whats wrong whos the better parent. Point is who cares since really we have no control over the actually topic of the books since in the end its the schools choice. We can sure say no to some as it depends on how one parent raises there children for another but that doesnt make you a good parent or bad. You could guide your children as much as one can and still your child does something such as sex so that doesnt make you a bad parent as someone who doesnt guide there children and nothing happens or vice versa. Its one of those topics that there are so many variable "what ifs" that really in the end your along for the ride. The kids have a choice, the parents have a choice, the school has a choice and when you mix it all together you really wont know whats gonna happen till it happens. So guide kids in the way you want but one is different to another and no ones a bad parent or a good parent. We all are always learning even as adults.

Haley, exactly!!! Thank you, not one of us wants anything bad for our kids, we all want the best for them. In the end it's all about our kids, and whatever the school board decides is final. Good debate everyone .

From the Emmaus Patch
"Last night, staff in the Barnes & Noble in the Promenade Shops told Patch that “Prep,” is also flying off of the stores’ shelves this week, due to the throngs of Emmaus High School constituents looking to read the best-selling work."

As I stated, any time bright, inquisitive kids understand that there is something that parents want to keep from them, they will be drawn to it. All teenagers know that parents are idiots and hypocrites who have either willfully forgotten their teenage years, or are trying to hide their own teenage indiscretions.
Modern western society has extended adolescence long past the point in which biology determines it. Our ancestors were married, farmers, soldiers and parents at age 17 or 18. Because of diet, we actually mature, physically, earlier, but we are kept in a state of prolonged irresponsible adolescence.
Issues like this are not "all about the kids". They are all about "us", our frustrations at a society that has inputs we can't control and our lack of trust in our children and our own lack of firmness and conviction in our beliefs.
Raise them right, give them a good foundation, encourage curiosity and let them go. By 15, they are what the are.

Again, I ask Jennifer Marangos, I want to know why you felt the need to post my physical address on this article but did not bother to post the addresses of the other people who are involved in your report. Seidenberger, Ballard, Fuller, or Stolz do not have their addresses listed behind their names. There is five people discussed in this article, yet only my address is printed here. Do you have an answer for me, or do you just print what you wish and eliminate other parts like most media does? I would really appreciate an answer here, I know you do monitor the articles.

Have any of you asked your kids what they think about all this? Get down off your high horses and ask some questions and listen to their answers.