Intellectual Freedom and Students Right to Read

As a future educator I believe in students intellectual freedom and their right to read. According to the American Library Association, "Intellectual freedom is the right of every individual to both seek and receive information from all points of view without restriction. It provides for free access to all expressions of ideas through which any and all sides of a question, cause or movement may be explored" (ALA). Whereas, the National Children's Book and literary Alliance states, "The NCBLA believes that every person has the right to read. In a free society, this includes the right to choose what one shall read" (NCBLA). How do I stay true to intellectual freedom and students right to read while developing a classroom library?

Young adult literature is complex literature. The issues addressed are real issues that young adults face in their live. Recently, I have read YAL books about bullycide, torture, sex trafficking, war and genocide. These issues are real world issues that affect the lives of the young adults around us. Every last one of these stories were emotional and heartbreaking, but very good. The complexity of issues within YAL makes the decision to include a text in a classroom library or not a complex decision.

The first resource an educator can turn to in determining a book's rightful place is the school librarian. The librarian is well versed in books and issues that may surround books.. They know how to access the banned and challenged book lists easily. They also are able to find out information on why a book may be challenged or not. Their job is to choose books that will enrich the lives of students.

Another way an educator can determine is a book should be in their classroom library is to actually read the book. Reading YAL is usually a quick read and it gives the educator a real appreciation for the book. After reading the book, write your own review of the book and keep it. This serves two purposes: first you will always remember what the book is about because you have a review written in your words, second your students can use your review to help them choose a book. The review can also help remind you if there is something in the book that may require further discussion with your students.

I plan on continuing to read current, popular YAL literature and developing my review binder. I will be able to look at books that students have checked out, read my review of the book and know what I would like to discuss with the student. I will have a brief check in process where we discuss the book briefly. This lets me address any issue such a suicide the book may bring up and it lets the student know I am invested in their reading. I also want to encourage students intellectual freedom and right to read. I don't want my classroom to be a place of cencorship, I want it to be a place where intellectual discussion happen.