Iowa middle school book club canceled after community backlash
By KCCI staff
Click here for updates on this story
BONDURANT, Iowa (KCCI) — A middle school book club planned in Bondurant was canceled after community pushback over the book selection, “This Book is Gay,” which is described as a “candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it’s like to grow up LGBTQ.”
The Bondurant Library’s Board of Trustees held a meeting to discuss the club’s monthly selection. Many against the selection pointed to the explicit descriptions of sexuality and the fact that the book club is for sixth through eighth graders. Those in support said they trust the board.
“I know that you do your best to make sure that the books and the materials that are here are appropriate, and I trust you to make the decision for what book clubs there will be, knowing that parents and families and children have the right to say no,” one supporter said.
Another community member said, “This book is wholly inappropriate for children 11 to 14 years old. It doesn’t just discuss identity. It delves into explicit details about sexual acts, sexual practices, and even apps for hookups.”
Many people at the meeting also voiced their opinions during Bondurant’s City Council meeting. While city councils do not have oversight on library selections, Bondurant’s council promised to be in communication with the library board in the future.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.