The Montville Township Public Schools have chosen a highly controversial summer reading assignment for the student’s summer reading project.  The chosen book ALL AMERICAN BOYS by Brendan Kiely and Jason Reynolds has been banned from several school districts in the United States due to its Anti-police messages as well as other issues such as bad language and drug and alcohol use. 

It is my opinion that High School Students are very impressionable and often tend to jump on the band wagon when it comes to many current issues like social injustice and police brutality.  One example of this occurred on Tuesday when my teacher and I were talking about the summer reading.  One of the girls in my class chimed into our conversation and stated “I hate the police”.  Unfortunately, I am embarrassed to say that many of the students in Montville unjustly share this view and when asked to explain why they feel this way they cannot do so but rather refer to stories they have heard on the news.

I am the proud son of a retired Montville Police Officer and I have been raised to respect the police and laws of our State and Country.  I am tolerant and respect others’ opinions and beliefs even if they do not align with mine.

In our school we have two Police Officers who are present on a daily basis to assure we are safe as well as to build relationships and trust with students.  I feel that this book highlights the distrust caused when a select few officers act inappropriately and or do not follow procedure.  The same distrust we witness being played over and over again by the Media.  I find this unfortunate because it does not speak to the vast majority of officers who put their lives on the line to protect us and uphold the laws of this country on a daily basis.

It has been a very long and mentally taxing year for many of us teens.  A very stressful and tumultuous political year, a pandemic, riots, social injustices the constant negative news stories that have caused many of our teens to suffer from depression and anxiety due to these unpredictable times.

While I understand that this book was chosen because is relevant to culture of our nation, I am asking that the Board of Education offer an alternative selection for students whose beliefs are not in line with those of the authors.

I would like to suggest that an alternative book be offered to the students of Montville Township.  Perhaps one that looks to unite us instead of divides us.  One that does not focus on political and social issues.  Possibly one that focuses on positive life lessons, patience, relationship building, acceptance and mindfulness instead of controversy.