Parents of students at Success Academy Hudson Yards have united for a quick call to action regarding the reading of “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie. This book is inappropriate for 12-year-olds because of its mature themes and content. It touches on topics like sex and masturbation, and includes crude humor, strong language, and even racial slurs. This book also includes explicit images as well. It addresses serious issues such as alcoholism, poverty, racism, violence, and death. These subjects can be quite heavy and challenging for younger readers to grasp fully. While the novel provides valuable insights into the life of a Native American teenager growing up on a reservation, its raw depiction of tough realities might not be right for every middle schooler.

Recently, the school received quite a few complaints from upset parents about the content of this book. As a result, the book was taken from students, and parents were informed that the school would address the issue. Unfortunately, since the book's release, some students have engaged in inappropriate behavior, including instances of sexual harassment towards their peers. While we recognize the value of literature that tackles tough topics like poverty, racism, and social justice, there are plenty of age-appropriate options for 12-year-olds that present these themes in a thoughtful and relatable manner. For instance, "Brown Girl Dreaming" by Jacqueline Woodson is a beautifully written memoir in verse that shares her experiences growing up as a Black girl during the civil rights movement. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan tells the inspiring story of a wealthy Mexican girl who becomes a migrant farm worker in the U.S., facing challenges like poverty and discrimination. "Ghost" by Jason Reynolds follows a boy from a tough background who joins a track team, offering a powerful perspective on poverty, identity, and resilience. "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry" by Mildred D. Taylor is a timeless classic that explores racism and injustice in the 1930s South through the eyes of a young Black girl. In "One Crazy Summer" by Rita Williams-Garcia, three sisters spend time with their activist mother during the rise of the Black Panther movement, gaining insights into race and activism. Lastly, "Front Desk" by Kelly Yang features a young Chinese immigrant girl who helps manage a motel while navigating racism and financial hardships. Each of these books addresses significant social issues in ways that are engaging and suitable for middle school readers.

It seems that the school is pointing fingers at the state regarding this book. Yet, during several school meetings, we were told that they create their own lesson plans. They have a dedicated team that thoroughly reviews everything, and teachers even come in before school starts to go over these materials. We’re really puzzled about how this book managed to slip through the cracks. What’s even more concerning is that the students were given the book back today! Exposing them to more harmful content is just unacceptable! As parents, we understand the importance of teaching our children about boundaries at home. But when they’re at school, we expect them to be in a safe environment, free from anything that might encourage harmful behavior. We are calling for immediate action to ensure that the students no longer read this book. We insist that the school come together to find a better way to convey the themes. Sixth graders are not young adults; they’re just 11 and 12 years old, and they’re still children. This book is simply not appropriate for them.