Don’t Check Out This Book!

Gr 3-5–Things are changing at Appleton Elementary School with the arrival of the new school librarian, Rita B. Danjerous. Appleton hasn’t had a school library in 14 years and, with only 19 students, had been in danger of closing. Ms. Danjerous opens the library in a broom closet, and launches a controversial new book collection addressing topics that students might be embarrassed or scared to ask for, which can be checked out without needing a library card. This newfound excitement for books among students and staff alike comes much to the chagrin of Iwana Beprawpa, the new school board president, who argues this hinders the manners and morals she is encouraging at the school. In addition, Ms. Beprawpa institutes questionable changes, such as creating a new uniform policy requiring students to purchase the uniform from her store Beprawpa Attire. When Ms. Danjerous’s daughter, Maya, and her friend Sarah begin working for the local paper, they are able to report on some of these mysteries and scandals in their small town with the help of editor Etta Toryal. Written entirely in letters, e-mails, phone messages, and newspaper articles, this funny (and punny) story introduces censorship issues, political corruption, and investigative journalism.