Good call, or censorship?

A school library isn't obligated to have every book ever published. Like it or not, a call has to be made about what to carry and what not to carry. The librarian was doing their job.

I'm fairly certain that the same group complaining of censorship would change their tune and applaud if the librarian declined a free copy of the Satanic Bible or the Anarchist's Cookbook.

I read A Thousand Tomorrows and it is a good, clean read. How dare Ms. Peterson hide that kind of material from our high school students. I am sure they have many books on witch craft (Harry Potter) great, let them read and make up their own minds. It is a sad day when our school librarian doesn't want our kids reading clean books!

I just read one of Karen's books for the first time ever. It is not a Bible it is just a good story. I love how she has many characters and in the end pulls it all together for good. Look at our country- don't we need some good influence out there?

What's going on with our Naperville Schools? Administrators and staff encouraging kids to wear shirts calling their school a dump, a librarian who denies students choice of reading, Veterans Day and Columbus day removed from holidays? Elementary schools giving up Christmas and Halloween celebrations? It's outrageous...

I agree that a school library is not obligated to carry every book published. There are bookstores, public libraries and other sources in which to obtain this book if parents wish their children to read it. No personal or religious affront needs to be taken. No one is preventing anyone from reading it.

It's a pity Karen Kingsbury doesn't know the definition of 'censorship.' Perhaps she ought to invest in a dictionary before she writes her next epic.

I have every one of Karen Kingsbury's books. They are VERY well written and most debut on The New York Times best seller list! How can one person decide what everyone else will like! I think it was rude, and one more example of how people are trying to censor every thing we do! This is AMERICA! If I want to read a good story that just happens to be by a Christian author, then I CAN!!!!!! And who is some librarian to try to stop anyone else! GIVE ME A BREAK!

Makes me wonder what they are carrying in that library. In a time where public school libraries aren't always funded with enough money to stock the shelves, it amazes me that a donation like this would be turned down.
Obviously, Laura Peterson didn't do her homework or she would have found that Karen Kingsbury is among our top selling authors of the day. Her books sit on the NYT Bestsellers List and have won many awards and are now being made into full length feature films.
I personally agree that this is censorship at its worst. Does this high school have the right to influence our students this way? Is our youth so corrupted today that they have to be shielded from a "predictable love story"?
It appears that Naperville High School's librarian is a few books short of a complete shelf.

The books were a gift to the library. Why send the books back when they were a gift and cost the school nothing. Put them out and let the kids make a choice if they want to read the book or not.

I wish Karen was around when I was a kid,much rather read her books then the trash they had us read for reports .

I agree that Ms Peterson could have just sent them back and not said a word or better yet give them to someone. I really take issue with the tone of Ms Peterson's email referring to NCHS as having high standards, yes we do and we should but was it necessary to be so arrogant about it? It is always better to take the high road than to belittle another especially for a gift. Makes me wonder where we are "wasting taxpayer dollars."

Everytime I walk past the returned book shelf at the library where I work (Guymon Public Library, Guymon, OK), I see one or several of Karen’s books or audios. I was curious to see what the total circulation is on her books. We have a combined total of 67 materials (books, large print books and audios) that had a total circulation of 1,439 usages. Guymon has a population of 12,000 people and the library has just over 8,000 card holders. I think that is a lot of circulations especially when one consider the number of people who buy Karen’s books instead of checking them out at the public library. I fail to see why one reviewers opinion is given so much authority in the book selection process when Ms. Peterson had the book in hand and could have read it and given her personal opinion of the book, or better yet, have a student read it. If a favorable review is all that is required to have a book placed in the Naperville High School Library, I could easily find about 30 people to write a favorable review of any of Karen Kingsbury's books. I've been called upon to defend the placement of Harry Potter books in school before and did so with equal fervor.

I also have every book Karen Kingsbury has written. I have also met her several times, and can tell you that she is one of the most honest, caring, and truly genuine people I have ever met. She loves children, and is such a generous person. I agree that a school does not have to have every book published on it's shelves, but I don't understand why they would not want such a great book as this one, especailly if they are free. I wish that I had this book to read as a teenager. Thank you Ms. Peterson for caring about our young people, but my challenge to you would be to READ the book, not to take the word of someone else.

I am very disappointed that they would send this book back. It is great story. I think she more concerned about other books in her library, like Harry Potter which tells about other things that are not appropriate. Karen's books are honest, ethical, and good stories of all we should be living our lives. I am glad my kids do not attend this school.

Karen Kingsbury is an excellent writer. I'm a highschool student and I love every book I've ever read of hers. "A Thousand Tomorrows" happens to be one of my favorites. Its a wonderful story. that librarian needs a dose of common sense.

It is a shame that one of my fellow librarians has chosen to keep wonderful books by Karen Kingsbury out of the high school library.

Although I believe the school and the librarian have the right to censor whatever they want coming into their school, I also believe that instead of reading reviews why didn't the librarian or school officials read it for themselves? Reviews are simply someone elses' opinion, and should not be used to sway our own opinions. Anyone who has picked up a Karen Kingsbury book knows that her books are clean and appropriate for teenagers. Why can't library shelf be filled with a variety of books, including Christian Fiction? I think this librarian should have read the book before making any type judgement on it. Kids have a right to read whatever they want, and if it includes a Karen Kingsbury title then they can read it. I think that librarian made an error in judgement. Also, anyone who calls Karen a hack or says they pity her, obviously hasn't read her books with an open mind. If she didn't have a deep faith in God, then God would not be apparent in her books. I feel God's presences around me when I read her books. You can read whatever you like, but give something a honest and fair shot before you call someone a 'hack' or say you pity her.

I don't think it was an issue of censorship, but it is rather arrogant to turn down a gift from a bestselling author. I am reading all these people talking about Harry Potter, but what about the fact that every Stephen King book is probably on their shelves as well. Personally, I fell in love with reading in my high school library from Austen to King to Margret Mitchell to Robert Frost. Value of books in general is important and if your library is to prestigious for Karen Kingsbury, then I hope you have removed every brain candy read from the shelf. aka V.C.Andrews, Dan Brown, Steele, or Crichton. Reality is, Mrs. Peterson didn't read it and doesn't care. Karen Kingsbury didn't write the next Pride and Prejudice, but then again in Austen's day Jane didn't either.

This article is interesting since I worked as a Air Force Library Assistant as well as a public high school library assistant. We couldn't ever keep the books on the shelf at the Air Force library and we most certainly had quite a few copies of Kingsbury's books on the shelves at the public high school. I smell censorship here as well. A Thousand Tomorrows was an amazing book. Besides students are allowed to choose what they want to read - Christian or not. Is the public school saying that they don't allow people the freedom to choose what they want to read?

I love to read Karen's book. They touch the heart and they show real life. But I guess they dont want the real world shown in our school. Sex, and violance is what they want. So Karen dont worry about it. God knows that you are trying to show people just what he can do for them. And just maybe some of the parents in this school will come to realize that they need to have more book with moral values and less sex, drugs, and violance. We should be more involved in what our schools have in the libruary.
Thanks you Karen and keep up God's work

I am amazed at this. I have read every book Karen has written and would be thrilled if one of my children brought home one of them from her school library to read. They are clean, uplifitng and always encouraging. It saddens me that this librarian read one review and did not take the time or effort to read the book. Karen was giving them a special gift by donating her books. I also have met Karen on several occassions and I can tell you she has a passion to instill the joy of reading to all people! I can not believe they would turn away donated books!

I have read a few of Karen's books and find them quit refeshing from all the trashy/violent novel's that are currently out there. When I finish one of her books I feel truely inspired to make the world a better place to live. A few years ago one of her books helped me in the difficult time I was having with my marriage. Now my wife and I are in a better place thanks to Karen. I wish more people would take the time to read one of her books to find out what Christianity is all about. While I understand a library does not have to carry every book, I wish more than one person could have made the decision on whether to have Karen's book in circulation.

Yes, schools NEED to have a right to object to putting offensive materials in their libraries... My concern is if they are rejecting any book wrote by Karen Kingsbury, then where is the reason? When I was in school 20 years ago, our schools were very careful about putting anything with witchcraft in our library. Now, there is Harry Potter. I am very concerned when schools would rather have books with witchcraft and sorcery over books with goodness and love. What has happened? When did it happen? Frankly, I am appauled over the schools comments.

I'm disappointed, but not surprised. Our education system has been 'hijacked' by special interest groups. History has been rewritten such that it de-emphasizes contributions by white males and elevates contributions by minority groups and women.

After finishing a unit on the Civil War, my own children couldn't tell me who William Tecumseh Sherman was, but they knew the smallest details about Harriet Tubman, an escaped slave.

That was because in our zeal to rewrite History, important figures like Gen. Sherman have become footnotes and minor characters like Harriet Tubman (a very 'politically correct' figure today) have been elevated to the status of key figures.

So it's no wonder that a Kingsbury book can't find a place in a high school library. I'll bet Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys are gone from school libraries, too. Pretty soon, the entire 225+ years of culture we've accumulated in our country will disappear, replaced by politically-correct texts.

I read A Thousand Tomorrow's a year ago. I'm a high school student, and I checked the book out from a public library. I loved it and now have read all of Karen Kingsbury's books. If everyone can read about Britney Spears' kids, why can no one read about healthy, clean love?

From Wikipedia: "Censorship is the removal or withholding of information from the public by a controlling group or body. Typically censorship is done by governments, religious groups, or the mass media, although other forms of censorship exist."

This is not censorship. This is one librarian at one library deciding that a romance novel isn't that good. I'm sure there are many Christian-themed books at this library. But also, as Katie Sobotka points out, there are probably lots of trashy novels on their shelves as well.

The way people are posting comments, you'd think stormtroopers in the pay of J.K. Rowling have invaded the library and burned every Christian-themed volume. Laura Peterson's decision is not that big of a deal, people. Students can find Kingsbury's novel in many other places.

I am very dissappointed that a High School would refuse Mrs. Kingsbury's books. These are wonderful books and I believe that more and more teenagers and young adults should be reading them. Maybe there would be less drugs and violence and teen pregnancies in our schools. I am going to encourage my children when they are old enough to read to read her books. She is a wonderful author and I will continue to support her by buying her books for my collection. Ms.Peterson needs to take the time to read a book or two of Mrs.Kingsbury. Then maybe she will change her mind about refusing the books. I will continue to pray for Ms. Peterson and hope that one day God will see that she reads one of these wonderful books.

This issue is a very upsetting one to me. Maybe not as upsetting as if stormtroopers invaded the library and burned every Christian themed volume, but I would love to know how many Christian themed novels are in the Naperville Central High School Library. Do they have the book "Twilight" written about vampires? (Which I have read, and liked) Do they have all of the "Harry Potter" books which are about Witchcraft?(Haven't read them all, but I have researched them) I am going to pray for Laura Peterson. Maybe she was doing her job. Maybe she was going on someone elses opinion about the book. Whatever her reason, I hope she will pick up the book "A Thousand Tomorrows" and read it for herself. My guess is that if she does that, maybe she will be the one to post her comment and realize maybe, just maybe she made a mistake. So, Laura, this is for you: "Dear Lord, I don't know where Laura stands in her walk with you. I simply ask you to open her eyes to you. Open her eyes to good, clean, reading. I pray that none of these comments that have been posted would cause her hostility toward Christians. We are only defending the moral beliefs that we have because of you. Please speak to Laura's heart in this very moment. Give her a peace that only you can give, and please help her to find her way to you, if she has not already made that life changing decision. I ask all of these things in Jesus name." Whatever the Naperville Librarians decide, I do hope more people will read Karen Kingsbury's books, because they truly are life changing!!

It saddens me that these books won't be in this libary. I "found" Karen Kingsbury's books about 2 years ago. I started reading them because they were "christian books", but I continued to read them because the stories are so real. They could happen to anyone. I just finished reading Summer. Mrs. Kingsbury could have ended it with a great big flowery Hollywood miracle, but she chose to end it with a true to life ending. No book has ever made me cry, gotten me angry, or scared me the way these books do. I hope that this story gets so much attention that every student at this school goes out and buys a copy. I hope they carry them to school and discuss it at lunch. As for me, I am on my way to Amazon.com to purchase two copies for my daughters. I have an extensive library and I'm sure that these books will be a great fit.

How sad. I wonder what the librarian considers "a good fit" for their school library? And, who is she to decide what a good fit is? I would hate to see the collection of books available. I can't wait until my 14 year old daughter starts reading Karen's books. They have blessed my life.

The worst thing about this is how the librarian handled the situation. Not a good example for students to follow. Simply thank Karen Kingsbury for the gift. But don't make a stink about returning a gift. In doing so, the librarian showed her true colors. Not the "high standards" she claims.

My issue with the situation is not that a Christian author has been banned from the library but rather in the handeling of it. Ms Peterson has come across as very arrogant. I am also concerned that she would make her decision based on a third person written review. If we are trying to develop complex and independent thinkers, shouldn't that be what she models? I also find it interesting that Ms Peterson has refused to respond to any comments made~especially those made by email.

Smells all right, like sour grapes and greed to me. Harry Potter books are very well written and if any of you had bothered to read them, the theme is good verses evil. By the way, the author contacted the newspaper not the school to create buzz in the hopes people will rush out and buy the book. Accusing the school of spending taxpayer money on postage to return the books is uncalled for since the author created the situation in the first place by sending an unsolicited gift.

I picked up my first book by Karen this summer. I am an avid reader of Christian romance. I was looking for something different in Christian book. I haven't been able to put her books down. I have read every one of her books that I can get my hands on. I think it is terrible that her books were not allowed in that school. I work as a Para-educator in a small high school. I look at kids today and see the changes since I was in high school. It is unbelievable how bad some kids are today. We have so many shootings in our schools across the country. When God and goodness are taken out of the equation, what do we expect, but the bad that happens in our society.I have found that so many of the stories coincide with our own lives everyday, and she gives you hope for a better tomorrow. I stand up and applaude you Karen. Thanks for the great reading.

After reading about this issue, I must say that I am somewhat surprised at the librarian's actions. Many libraries receive unsolicited donations and frequently put them aside for a later "book sale." I suspect Karen Kingsbury's would be among the first to be sold. If she considers Karen Kingsbury's endings to be too predictable, maybe she should take the majority of her romance novels out of her inventory. I suspect most of them have "predictable" endings also.

As for calling Kingsbury a hack--which is defined as someone who exploits for money but has dull, unimaginative and trite work-- she obviously has not read Kingsbury's work. I'll agree every Christian writer does not deserve a shelf of library space, but Kingsbury's books certainly do not qualify as those of a "hack."

I have placed Karen's books in our church library. These books
relate to today's experiences in our world and how finding the right way to handle situations is beneficial. It is so nice to read a good clean book.

1. Maybe the librarians should actually read the book. They are missing out on a very good book.

2. I'm sure there are plenty of other predictable romance novels in that school library - maybe some predictable horror stories and fantasy novels too

I am somewhat surprised that the books were returned, but I'm also surprised that an immediate claim of censorship was made. I am a big fan of Karen Kingsbury's books and have read most of them now, but I would have to agree with the "non-Christian" review that said that particular book had a very cliched plot. I still enjoyed the story, but I must say that I expected much more from a writer of Kingsbury's caliber. I'm not sure that the claim of censorship applies here. However, I'm left with one question: since apparently the library uses only "non-Christian" reviews to decide the merits of a "Christian" book, do they use "Christian" reviews to decide the merits of a "non-Christian" book? I'm guessing not.

God have mercy on Ms. Peterson, and any other public school librarian who would refuse a book like "A Thousand Tomorrows". Karen Kingsbury writes "life-changing fiction", and it is evident by all the violence in American schools that lives do need to be changed.

Welcome all Karen Kingsbury fans from around the world who found this forum from the link on Karen's Web site. We understand you like her writing.

Is this anybody from Naperville who cares that the high school library declined the gift of the books?

I can see the library's point (seperation of church and state).However, was it a personal decision? or was it a decision to keep a job? You have the choice to read what you read. I think the library should have kept the books. She is an outstanding aothor that can teach many lessons with here writing.

This is a sad state of affairs. I also wonder what books are on the library shelves at that school. Karen Kingsbury writes wonderful fiction. It appeals to Christians and Non-Christians alike. My daughters love her books. Shame on you, Ms Peterson!

This turn of events is reprehensible. The whole reason the 1st Amendment exists is to AVOID and PREVENT such censorship. So, what's next...taking anything off the shelves that someone raises a fuss about? Get a SPINE, Madam Librian!! Literally...and figuratively.

John 8:7 But when they persisted in asking Him, He straightened up, and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

Romans 2:1 Therefore you have no excuse, everyone of you who passes judgment, for in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things.

It is a pity that her books could not be displayed in the library, but we shouldn't be suprised when the Bible clearly depicts how Christian influences would be rejected in this world, and we clearly see that in the secular elements of our society today.
Instead of attacking Ms. Peterson we should hope that she would have a change of heart and see the Truth more clearly.

...Reading one of Karen's books wouldn't be a bad start.

As the librarian in question here, I would like to respond to a number of things. First and foremost, I never even remotely referred to Ms. Kingsbury as a "hack." Secondly, I would like to say that the proper protocol on author donation is to contact the library ahead of time. If books are sent without advance notice, the author should say what he or she would like the library to do with them should the decision be made not to add them to the collection. Ms. Kingsbury did neither. The letter that accompanied the books said, "We have chosen your school library to be the recipient of a donation of books from our office." After checking for editorial reviews, a standard practice, and finding only the unfavorable Publishers Weekly review, I contacted Ms. Kingsbury by e-mail and told her that, while I appreciated the thought, her book wasn’t a good fit for our library. I asked that she contact us before sending books in the future. I could have said nothing and given them away, as has been suggested, but I felt that her intention was that they would be placed in our school library and giving them away would be unethical. On the issue of whether this is censorship, it clearly is not. Censorship has to do with a book being rejected because of objection to the ideas. This book was rejected because the only professional review I could find was unfavorable. In subsequent e-mails with the author’s sister, I said that I normally would like to have at least one other review to base a decision on. I asked her to let me know if she had knowledge of any favorable reviews from professional reviewing sources, and said that I would be happy to reconsider. Her response to that was to contact The Naperville Sun and claim censorship.

It saddens me that a book such as "A Thousand Tomorrows" cannot be included in one of our school libraries. I recently gave that book to a lady from our church who is in the nursing home. Yesterday she celebrated her 90th birthday and as a gift I gave her the sequel. This was her comment about "A Thousand Tomorrows." "It was the best love story I have ever read. I loved that book." She was thrilled with her gift. The neat thing is that she has passed "A Thousand Tomorrows" on to the nurses, aides and other staff at the nursing home.

Karen: I too feel like this is censorship BUT I lean hard on the scripture, "they meant this to harm you but I will turn it around for good." God will continue to bless you and your family!

I am Karen Kingsbury, the author of A Thousand Tomorrows. I appreciate Ms. Peterson's thoughtful response here on this blog. I thought I would add a few words, also.
My brother was a strong supporter of public libraries. He lived on a limited budget, and believed books of all kinds should be available for people at no charge. In addition, our grandmother, who died before I was born, was a public librarian. For that reason, my brother asked me to consider donating copies of his favorite book - A Thousand Tomorrows - to public high school libraries around the country. I caught his fervor and vision, and the idea became a real and tangible plan. He was creating a list of school names and addresses when he died suddenly in his sleep, at the age of 39.
I was heartbroken over this, and I vowed to finish the project he had completed. Last spring I hired my niece - a college junior - to come up with a list of 2,500 public schools based on demographics. Our intent was to send the books to areas where people enjoy reading my novels. Since the Naperville public library has 59 copies of my books on their shelves, and since they "are constantly being checked out", my niece chose both Naperville Central and Naperville North, as two schools that would receive our gift.
The inside cover of each book was stamped with the words "In Loving Memory of David Kingsbury, 1966-2005". The books are not autographed, and were not part of a marketing or publicity stunt. Until now, no one but our office knew about this project. The donation of books was simply my way of honoring the memory of my brother, and my grandmother.
Of all the 5,000 books sent out - two per school - we have received many hundreds of thank you letters. One of those thank you letters, by the way, came from Naperville North H.S., who told our office the students would be delighted with having these books as an addition to their library.
Only Ms. Peterson wrote back to say that the book didn't fit her library's standards. She mentioned having read the review from Publisher's Weekly. That very review ends with these words: "Despite the plot's limitations, Kingsbury fans will undoubtedly be pleased by more of the inspirational fiction for which this author has become beloved."
I write emotionally-driven fiction. A Thousand Tomorrows is one of the few books in my backlist that is unabashedly and unapologetically a love story. Ms. Peterson rejected my donation because the Publisher's Weekly review states that the characters "predictably fall in love." In a love story, I agree it is fairly predictable that the hero and heroine will, in fact, fall in love. Does this disqualify a book for Naperville Central students? Should it? Are there other love stories at Naperville Central where the characters fall in love?
I also checked the online inventory at the Naperville Central H.S. library and found more than fifty books with the word, "Witch" in the title. Do any of these have predictable plot elements? Is there a predictable mystery element in a mystery novel? I would think so.
Quite clearly, Ms. Peterson rejected these books because they didn't fit her worldview. I'm sorry about her decision to do that. Here at our office, after receiving Ms. Peterson's email we contacted Naperville Central principal Jim Caudill, but he did not return our calls. It was at that point that I contacted the Naperville Sun.
I am a former journalist. I graduated with my journalism degree in 1986, and worked as a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Daily News before becoming an author. I had a feeling a story like this would interest editor Jim Lynch. I was right. I'm glad for our newspapers, much as I'm glad for our libraries - because we need a place where freedom of speech can flourish.
As a believer in our right to free speech, I could not sit back and do nothing when I learned of Ms. Peterson's decision. Otherwise, I could only blame myself if someday it wasn't only librarians choosing what we can read ... but officials deciding what we write. Thank you for your feedback on this issue - positive and negative. In a democratic society, our freedom to express our views and to read diverse viewpoints must be protected - even if those viewpoints come in a love story where characters "predicably fall in love."
I've posted a full comment letter on my website, if you'd like to read more.

It is very interesting to me that Ms. Peterson is going to base her decision to turn away this book based off of the one review she read from Publisher's Weekly posted on Amazon.com. Read their review below, then read the review of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire from Publisher's Weekly also on Amazon.com. Naperville Central carries Harry Potter, despite the review.

A Thousand Tomorrows
From Publishers Weekly (posted on Amazon.com)
Kingsbury, a CBA bestselling author, delivers her signature mix of melodrama, formula and genuine emotional punch in this novel about two young rodeo stars and their experiences with Down syndrome and cystic fibrosis. The young leads inhabit Christian romance fiction clichés: Cody Gunner is the ruggedly handsome outdoorsman with a painful past (his backstory, as it happens, is identical to that of the male lead in Susan May Warren's Happily Ever After) and Ali Daniels is the daintily beautiful yet doggedly determined young cowgirl who wins his heart. Both characters are driven to succeed by a need to overcome hidden pain. Cody has suffered from besetting anger at both of his parents since the day his father left the family because he was unable to handle Cody's brother's Down syndrome. Ali, on the other hand, secretly has cystic fibrosis, and she rides in horse races despite the dust, hay and allergens associated with her sport, which will shorten her already brief life expectancy. When these two predictably fall in love, they provide each other with some measure of healing before the novel reaches its telegraphed conclusion. Despite the plot's limitations, Kingsbury fans will undoubtedly be pleased by more of the inspirational fiction for which this author has become beloved. (Apr. 13)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
From Publishers Weekly (posted on Amazon.com)
Even without the unprecedented media attention and popularity her magical series has attracted, it would seem too much to hope that Rowling could sustain the brilliance and wit of her first three novels. Astonishingly, Rowling seems to have the spell-casting powers she assigns her characters: this fourth volume might be her most thrilling yet. The novel opens as a confused Muggle overhears Lord Voldemort and his henchman, Wormtail (the escapee from book three, Azkaban) discussing a murder and plotting more deaths (and invoking Harry Potter's name); clues suggest that Voldemort and Wormtail's location will prove highly significant. From here it takes a while (perhaps slightly too long a while) for Harry and his friends to get back to the Hogwarts school, where Rowling is on surest footing. Headmaster Dumbledore appalls everyone by declaring that Quidditch competition has been canceled for the year; then he makes the exciting announcement that the Triwizard Tournament is to be held after a cessation of many hundred years (it was discontinued, he explains, because the death toll mounted so high). One representative from each of the three largest wizardry schools of Europe (sinister Durmstrang, luxurious Beauxbatons and Hogwarts) are to be chosen by the Goblet of Fire; because of the mortal dangers, Dumbledore casts a spell that allows only students who are at least 17 to drop their names into the Goblet. Thus no one foresees that the Goblet will announce a fourth candidate: Harry. Who has put his name into the Goblet, and how is his participation in the tournament linked, as it surely must be, to Voldemort's newest plot? The details are as ingenious and original as ever, and somehow (for catching readers off-guard must certainly get more difficult with each successive volume) Rowling plants the red herrings, the artful clues and tricky surprises that disarm the most attentive audience. A climax even more spectacular than that of Azkaban will leave readers breathless. The muscle-building heft of this volume notwithstanding, the clamor for book five will begin as soon as readers finish installment four. All ages. (July)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

I have truly been blessed by everyone of Karen's books. I introduced her books to my seventeen year old daughter, because I think there are so many great christian truths throughout here books. A Thousand Tomorrows is a wonderful book, and I think school libraries would benefit from having her books.

I am not quite sure why this particular librarian would choose to send back Karen's books. If the only review she was going to go by was a non-Christian one, then I would have to agree with Karen that the rejection of the books was because Karen is a Christian writer. To just dismiss them out of hand and not even bother to read it to see if it is a good book seems ludicrous. And to deprive the students of a great novel seems unconscionable. This almost seems to be on the same level as book banning. It's really too bad. It's not like our libraries aren't hurting for books. Most of them have closed as it is because they don't have the funds to buy books. Besides, I think we need more books like Karen's out there. Might help our kids see another side of things.

My concern continues that NCHS has a librarian who is unable to make her own decisions. Why not read the book yourself Ms Peterson? Maybe the HR department should have done some online review searches of you prior to your hiring.

Mark 11:25 (NLT),

Jesus said, "And when you assume the posture of prayer, remember that it’s not all asking. If you have anything against someone, forgive—only then will your heavenly Father be inclined to also wipe your slate clean of sins.”

Dialogue between Jesus and Peter in Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT),

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No!” Jesus replied, “seventy times seven!”

Can the Moderator please close this topic and allow no further postings. Nothing new is being said. All that occurs is more of the same from Karen Kingsbury and her loyal followers.

Moderator here. OK, I agree with previous commenter. We've heard from the principal parties in the issue, as well as a good representation of comments. No more repetitive comments will be posted on this topic.

I’m thrilled to see the interest voiced by the numerous comments made about this issue and remain quizzical as to the reason for rejection of the Ms. Kingsbury books. I along with others have read the review in Publishers Weekly and didn’t find it at all unfavorable. I also find it disturbing that a librarian would elect to rely on the impression of one review to give this book a thumbs down. Is it because of the reference to “inspirational fiction” or that Ms. Kingsbury is a writer of Christian romance that predicted Ms. Peterson’s decision?

Well Ms. Peterson, we are now acquainted with your procedure but I would suggest that in this instance a re-consideration be given. The “people” have now reviewed this book for you and it has been made quite obvious that they really appreciate the works of this writer and that her books should be made available. Hey, does anyone think that had this book been about Islamic “romance” that it would have been declined so quickly? Perhaps political correctness has now become our censorship of old and we all know that Christian values are not very PC. What a shame.

I'm glad that Lauren Peterson added her comments to this blog. I think it's sad that some of the posts attacked her personally and questioned her professionalism.

We should put to rest this idea that the Naperville Central library is somehow unfriendly to Christians and Christian ideas. You can examine their book catalog online. A quick subject search of "Christianity" shows plenty of titles, although mostly the established literature of Christianity. Dante's entire divine comedy is on the shelf. They also carry numerous books by C.S. Lewis, including the very well written "Screwtape Letters" and the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. I was unable to tell whether there are other books in the library representing the rather new Christian Romance genre.

I'm hoping my comments are not considered a repeat by the moderator, however, as a concerned Naperville taxpayer and Mother of District 203 students, I have something to say.

If Laura Peterson had said that there was no room on the shelves at NCHS, I would buy that argument. There is little room in the school for anything.

However, I also checked out the NCHS online catalog and found a lot of books that I would not consider great literature. So the love story is predictable. After a day of reading the academically challenging literature that is presented in the classroom, a light, predictable novel is a welcomed change of pace for others.

It was a FREE book. It contained no violence and had a good overall message. The worst thing that would have happened by putting it on the shelves, is that no one would check it out and some day it would be removed for that reason. It's not as if the cost came out of the limited NCHS book budget.

Not only did Laura Peterson proclaim herself the end all of book critics for our school system, but she also trashed the Naperville Library for carrying those books. Well, as a patron of the Naperville Library, I want to say thank you to the Library. I appreciate being able to check out a book that I want to read. While our school librarians have the job of determining how the budget is spent and what is in the best interest of the children involved, I can find no plausible reason why a free book with nothing objectionable in it would be turned down.

If anything, Laura Peterson also needs to learn the art of tact. If she really didn't want it on the shelves, accept it and then pass it on to one of the numerous charity drives within the area. It was one thing to reject the book, but to insult the author, the Napeville Public Library, and the readers who love Karen Kingsbury went over the line.

How sad for this school, to have someone other than taxpayers say this book is not fit to be in their school!!! Let's look at schools....kids being murdered by other kids, teachers being disrespected, kids graduating not even knowing how to add simple numbers...perhaps the liberal point of view is now showing how "great" their view for schools are!!!! Looks like maybe we need more books like Karen's, with a positive story. Our young generation is falling apart around us, and the people in authority will not look at the facts. Karen should have her books in every school in this nation.

I find it interesting...the spin that is given above. Funny how a small blurb can sway our opinions (that's how the media works)! I urge each of you to try and read the book before commenting (instead of using another person's review).

In my opinion, this book was extremely well written. It's interesting that this book does not mention "Christianity" in it and yet it was still dismissed? Hmmm....what reasoning is there given then? Is the librarian power tripping?

Maybe the librarian (and editors) should read the book before being so harsh. Then an actually valid review of this book could be given. How is going off on others' opinions setting an example? And, is there not some sort of intolerance here (just because this happens to be a Christian author)? Aren't we a country that should be moving foward?

Should we not research for ourselves before we come to a conclusion? Typical America...taking the easy way out. Either way...I'm sure someone else will put this book to good use.

Nancy,

The reason "Our young generation is falling apart around us" is because their parents are not taking their job as parents serious enough while raising them. Parents are often not around, too self indulgent and diminish the child's self esteem by constantly showing the child that something else is always more important than the child's upbringing.

If you expect this problem to be straightened out and fixed by a book in the high school library, you are sadly mistaken and about 16-17 years too late to address the real problem.

Read more about Best selling author Karen Kingsbury in today's issue of USA TODAY

Here's The Link:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-10-17-kingsbury-author_N.htm?csp=34

Susie

Thank you Susie for the link to the article in USA Today. It would be difficult to imagine that anything more need be said. How refreshing, an author that focuses on positive values, the very same ones we are continually trying to instill in our children, vice using sex, language, and mayhem to sell books. Put Ms. Kingsbury's books in the library, chalk up the mis-step to a decision made in haste, thankfully corrected, and be done with it.

And Joe, I whole heartedly agree with your observation of the minimal involvement of today's parents. I coached youth sports for almost twenty years and it was fairly easy to identify those children who received positive support at home. That being said, it certainly would not hurt and just might even help if Ms. Kingsbury's books were made easily accessible.

Good day!

Surely this author isn't comparing her work to that of C.S. Lewis' the Chronicles of Narnia or even J.K. Rowlings' Harry Potter series. The reason that these novels were excluded from the library are due to the fact that they are nothing more than christian harlequin novels. As for the fanatical christians pulling the discrimination card...please remember, this is a public school. Do the rest of the population a favor and send your degenerate children to private school so the remainder of us can learn without bias.

Katie, Katie, Katie. First, this author is not comparing her works to anyone’s. Second, the addition of Ms. Kingsbury books to the Naperville Central library can in NO WAY be considered proselytizing; we are talking about exposing students to those time-honored values that conscientious parents exposed us to as we grew up! Do you even understand what comprise traditional values? Given our “new morality” I would think you would welcome this “alternative” presented to our students of today. If you consider this the ranting of fanatical Christians I indeed feel very sorry for you and just as importantly wonder how you were raised. It is sad to see you expose so much animus over just permitting students exposure to those ideals that literally formed this country.

Third, to castigate the children of those that merely want to validate positive values by their exposure in print is unconscionable and without provocation anywhere in this discussion. To associate the word “degenerate” to the children being taught not to cheat, steal or lie is without basis and has an obvious lack of substance. Katie, you had better hope that those parents not ethically or morally challenged like yourself do not leave the government schools because doing so would leave them without the positive direction needed to successfully continue. Ya’ know, it’s not like government schools and their school boards currently sustain the best of reputations.

The books of Ms. Kingsbury (a New York Times best selling author) are works of fiction, just like the preponderance of books, including Harry Potter, found in any library and hers deserve their place. By the way, C.S. Lewis was a Christian and you don’t really consider the Harry Potter books literary works of art do you?

Instead of all this BS back and forth how about this middle ground:

A student makes a request for the book to the librarian.

Librarian contacts the original sender of the books to ask for them to be sent back to fulfill a request.

Publisher sends the books again, and they are put in the library for the student to check out.

Everyone's happy.

Now, wasn't that easier than the stupid back and forth for the past 20 days?

Pardon me Joe but doesn't that just tell Ms. Peterson that the books of Ms. Kingsbury should be permitted on the library shelves? I will assume that when returned by the student that the library logically would now retain the books wouldn’t it.

The entire premise of the discussion was whether her books, denoted to be "Christian" romance vice I suppose Jewish or perhaps Hindu, should be included in the school library. Gosh, I wonder just what type romance novels the library does make available to students? Anyway, I don't believe that your solution would in anyway be amenable to Katie do you? It does not appear to me that at least Katie thinks this exercise is at all stupid; she’s appears to be very serious.

I do understand your “back door” remedy attempt Joe and will wait to see if others agree. Are you sure you’re not a fanatic? Hey, your children aren't degenerates are they?

After seeing the countless posts in this thread about Karen Kingsbury's seemingly legendary life changing works I reluctantly borrowed a copy of "A Thousand Tomorrows" from a friend and read through it this weekend. If Lauren Peterson admits this book to her library, I hope she files it right where it belongs- next to the other meaningless 99 cent truck stop romance novels, all of which read like wacky mad libs. Having seen the ravings of Karen's rabid fans here, I was expecting so much more.

As I turned the last page, all I could do was find myself asking, "THIS is what all the fuss is about?!?!" What a monumental waste of time. If Karen Kingsbury is making millions off this book, I'm seriously in the wrong line of work.

Mayor,

I could care less one way or the other. I was merely suggesting a workable solution where everything comes out fine.

I stated early on the Librarian was doing her job to make selections about what to carry. If she said 'no' initially, that's her call; like it or not. It's also her job to fulfill requests by the students. She did her job in one instance and can be doing her job the second time around too.

Everyone saves face.

I am a Christian woman, a classroom teacher, and a certified librarian. As a Christian, I was at times uncomfortable in "library school" classes regarding censorship bc it seems that Christian material is often censored.
This book does not appear to have been censored based on content, just rejected by failure to align with policy.
The contention I have with the original denial of the book is this: most NY Times best sellers and best-selling authors are available at public (incl. school) libraries, the only limitation being reading level. Even with a "poor" review or few reviews, the donation of a best-selling book by a widely read author should have been accepted by the librarian, if for no other reason but to avoid the cost of procuring the book in response to a student request. That librarian of course has the right to contact the author/donator regarding the library's collection policy and request advance notice in the future.

When did censorship become such an ugly word? Next you'll be telling me that prejudice is bad! Look, the fact that a book is on a Bestseller's List does not mean it is good. And a review by someone from the NY Times is not just "someone's opinion," but the opinion of an individual with a training in this area, who had developed tastes and a knowledge of literature. Will you vote a C-student for a job that even Rhodes Scholars have trouble doing? Well then you're a fool and you've been reading too many Kingsbury novels. If "censorship" really is a bad word (or prejudice, which really means that we have a particular basis for judgment--something common to all of us), then this is merely a case of good judgment. Kudos Peterson for doing your job. These children need to read things that will expand their minds--not the trash their parents are reading ....