Friday, November 2, 2012

Totally Joe / James Howe / 189 pages / October Challenge Banned Books

Joe Bunch is 12 going on 13 and in 7th grade, when his teacher, Mr. Daly, assigns alphabiographies to the kids in his class.  They must write something about themselves for every letter of the alphabet.  Joe decides that if he going to do this, he is going to write the truth.  He asks Mr. Daly to keep all information confidential.  In seventh grade information is ammunition.  He doesn't just share information about himself, but about his friends and family as they relate to him.  Joe is coming to terms with his homosexuality.  This would be an awesome read aloud because of its humor, anti-bullying, self-awareness/appreciation, and writing references.  Be aware, however, that the gay theme permeates the text, there is some bad language, and much inappropriate finger pointing.

Totally Joe was banned (removed from the shelves) at Jefferson Elementary School in Bedford County, VA in 2007 for inappropriate content.
"Who you are isn't a choice."
"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent."  Eleanor Roosevelt

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