Pat Scales

Jun 12, 2024 | slj.com | Pat Scales

A kindergarten student brought a copy of Poopy Pants (And Potty Rants) to school. The library doesn’t own the book. He managed to entertain several classmates before the teacher discovered what was happening. How should we handle situations like this? I wouldn’t make a big deal of it. Clearly his parents bought the book for him, and you never want a student to think you are judging him, his parents, or a book.

May 9, 2024 | slj.com | Andrew Bauld |Pat Scales

Activists Protest Book Bans, Curriculum Censorship Outside SCOTUS | NewsNation The Freedom to Learn collective rallied outside the U.S. Supreme Court to denounce book banning, curriculum censorship, and other “politically motivated” actions in schools. Friday marked the group’s second National Day of Action, which included banned book reviews, teach-ins, rallies, and discussions.

May 3, 2024 | slj.com | Andrew Bauld |Pat Scales |SLJ Reviewers

A federal judge ruled that a lawsuit brought by And Tango Makes Three authors and a student against a Florida school district can proceed; civil rights icon Ruby Bridges speaks out against censors; and more news on legal battles and library-related legislative actions continue across the country.

May 1, 2024 | schoollibraryjournal.com | Pat Scales |SLJ Reviewers

Illustration by Alex Willan In rural Oklahoma, a copy of Zonia’s Rain Forest sits on the school librarian’s desk. Caldecott Honor and Sibert Medal–winning author and illustrator Juana Martinez-Neal’s story of a little girl in the rain forest of Peru doesn’t deal with controversial topics that have been getting books banned in record numbers these last few years.

Apr 25, 2024 | slj.com | Pat Scales

I received an MLIS and became a middle school librarian 20 years ago. Our school board recently expressed no confidence in librarians and teachers to make book selection decisions. I spoke before the school board about this, and my principal reprimanded me. I may resign at the end of the school year. It’s often very lonely to stand up for what is right. I wish I could wave a magic wand and give you courage to remain in your position.