BOOKS: Children face many more dangers

I taught all subjects in middle schools for 40 years; and with law enforcement relatives, I’m pro-cop. These are my observations regarding teens’ access to books:

• More 13-year-old girls were harmed by “mom’s boyfriend” than by any library or school book.  

• More teens made dangerous life decisions from overly strict, controlling parents and pastors than did those from homes who trusted their kids with their own family’s values and reading decisions.  

• Children who were taught age-appropriate modesty and sex education were less likely to be molested or to get pregnant too young. 

• Adults who used fear, control, and anger to create “forbidden book lists” actually made those materials more attractive and tempting to youngsters!  

• Libraries have been free, accessible, safe places of knowledge, and love of learning throughout our history — an important part of our nation’s greatness. [Google Andrew Carnegie Libraries.]  

• I trust families to build morals within their own homes; I trust teachers to educate; I trust police to bust violence and fentanyl; and I trust professional librarians’ judgment regarding literature. 

• I distrust legislators’ and Board Members’ often misguided, controlling overreach. 

LISA NUNLIST  

Coeur d’Alene 

Master’s Degree from University of Idaho in Reading Education; taught Children’s Literature Education classes