Meridian to discuss controversial novel

The flap over a controversial young adult novel will reach the Meridian School Board Tuesday night.

The board will hear from the public — and from the district’s book “reconsideration committee” — at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Sawtooth room of the District Service Center, 1303 East Central Drive, Meridian.

At issue is “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” a 2007 novel written by Sherman Alexie. The book describes a American Indian student’s transition to an white public high school.

The book has been controversial in Meridian, and elsewhere. Critics say the book’s sexual references are inappropriate for high school.

Here’s a link to a KIVI-TV report on the flap.

Check back at Idaho Education News for the outcome from Tuesday’s hearing.

Kevin Richert

Kevin Richert

Senior reporter and blogger Kevin Richert specializes in education politics and education policy. He has more than 30 years of experience in Idaho journalism. He is a frequent guest on "Idaho Reports" on Idaho Public Television and "Idaho Matters" on Boise State Public Radio. Follow Kevin on Twitter: @KevinRichert. He can be reached at [email protected]

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