The Millburn Community Consolidated District 24 opted to discontinue its participation in the Reader's Choice Award program for students. This choice stemmed from concerns voiced by several members of the school board regarding the perceived political and cultural biases in some of the books featured on the program's lists.

The decision was passed with a 4-3 vote during a board meeting on March 18, and it does not entail the removal of the selected books from school libraries. Instead, the motion, initiated by board member Lisa Wooster, aims to cease the promotion and celebration of a program deemed inequitable for all members of the community.

Concerns on Material Selection and Program's Biases

During a presentation on March 11, board member John Ruggles raised questions regarding the program, prompting its inclusion as an action item on March 18 night's board agenda. Specifically, Ruggles expressed discomfort with "Stamped (For Kids): Racism, Antiracism, and You," a book his son brought home. He criticized the perceived political and cultural biases within the program's book selections.

Ruggles expressed concern that the program's list had become culturally biased over time and emphasized the importance of neutrality in celebrated materials. While he valued celebration, he believed it should be impartial. With his differing views, Ruggles recognized that he and the librarians may not reach a consensus on the matter.

Promoting Autonomy of Choice in Reading

Numerous supporters of the program attended the meeting to express their viewpoints, among them Lia Neveu, a junior at Lakes Community High School. Neveu emphasized the transformative impact of the books featured in the program, stating that they significantly influenced her life. She initiated a change.org petition, which garnered 1,324 signatures as of writing this article and was forwarded to Millburn board members.

Written on the petition, parent Eileen Donohue expressed profound offense at the decision to cancel the Reader's Choice program, particularly in response to the statements made by board members, which she characterized as ignorant and uninformed.

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Prior to the vote, board member Brendan Murphy underscored the importance of addressing the issue as a community. He highlighted the curated nature of the book lists, emphasizing that selections are made based on age-appropriateness rather than political inclinations.

In contrast, Wooster advocated for allowing students the freedom to choose their reading material based on personal preference. She argued that notions of appropriateness vary among individuals. Wooster also asserted the importance of granting students autonomy in their literary selections.

A Program Empowering Young Readers

The program is a longstanding initiative across Illinois. The main objective of this program is to enhance reading skills in children and introduce them to various types of literature, authors, and illustrators. The program operates within three distinct grade-based levels, including Monarch (grades K-3), Bluestem (grades 3-5), and Caudill (grades 6-8).

The summer reading initiative enables students in each group to select books from a list of 20 titles. A rotating volunteer committee comprising educators and librarians across Illinois compiles these lists. The final selections undergo a rigorous evaluation process to ensure their suitability for young readers.

Participants who read a designated number of books are eligible to vote for their favorite. The most favored author and/or illustrator, as determined by participating children in Illinois, is bestowed an annual Readers Choice Award.

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