Sigh. It always seems to happen to the best of the teen books. The ones that really reach out to the teen experience, the ones that explore darkness, the ones that carry truth.
So it should come as no surprise that Scars by Cheryl Rainfield has joined the ranks of other incredible teen books being challenged.
What does come as a surprise is that it’s happening in a Public Library rather than a School Library. At the same time, we must realize that a challenge does not mean removal. It means that someone wants it removed and that the library must consider the challenge seriously, listen to the complaint, and then decide if it is in the right place in the library or should be moved.
With Scars as with other teen titles there is much to frighten overly-protective parents. But that does not mean that it is not beautiful, powerful and exactly what teens should be reading.
I encourage people to contact Boone County Public Library and make sure they know that there are people expecting them to do what is right for teens in their community. As a librarian, I know that it would give me strength and energy to have people stand with me in defense of a book. But hey, I’m from Wisconsin where we are definitely finding our power in action and community.
Waking Brain Cells 
Tasha–thank you so very, very much for your wonderful, thoughtfully written, beautiful post about Scars being challenged. I appreciate it so much! I was feeling quite drained (it’s been an emotional day) and reading your post was just wonderful.
LikeLike
Cheryl,
You are so very welcome. It just happens to be one of my passions – allowing teens to read the books that are right for them. And your book is definitely right for so many teens.
LikeLike
It’s so important that all people have access to the truth and be allowed to make up their own minds. Rather then hide issues, people should discuss them. We don’t have to agree. And that’s okay too.
LikeLike
As a public librarian I fully support a parent’s right to make decisions about what is or isn’t right for their own child. That being said, I don’t know why some people think it’s their place to make these choices for other people’s children and everyone else.
What is appropriate is a completely subjective topic.
And I completely agree with you, the vast majority of these books that are challenged are amazing, wonderful, thought provoking books that absolutely have a place on our shelves and are an asset to our collections. I just recently purchased Scars for our collection and I’m anxious to read it when it comes in!
LikeLike
Thank you for this announcement. I have sent an email and indicated I fully support this book. It is beautifully written, completely accurate, and needs to be available for every teen to read. Too many of our young readers will identify with it, but can benefit from every word.
LikeLike