We know that schools are increasingly assigning books with which parents are uncomfortable. Sometimes, we parents need to recognize that our kids are growing up and a given school book can be a productive means to that end. Sometimes, though, schools (or individual teachers) will let parents suggest alternative titles. We are happy to offer substitute suggestions when we can or help offer some good discussion topics for an assigned book if it’s a book we’ve read.

Email us your question with the following information: title of book originally assigned, grade level of student(s), gender of student(s), student learning objectives (if known)*, and your student’s comfort level (generally speaking) with potentially heavy/offensive topics such as violence, abuse, bad language, sex, etc. You may also indicate the nature of the problematic material in the assigned book. Put "Assigned Book Substitution" in the subject line of your email. We will help if we can, but it may take some time. (In other words, don’t email us the day before a class is going to read the offending title.)

*student learning objectives from the teacher/curriculum can help us suggest a book that is similar in theme/genre/reading level/etc even if the actual subject matter or setting is different. For an example of how we work through this, see our post on The Kite Runner.