CONWAY, N.H. (AP) -- Following a parent's complaint, a children's books about the Revolutionary War will stay in the elementary school library, though it no longer will be required reading for fifth graders.
But Eva Irving, the complaining parent, isn't happy. She wants "My Brother Sam is Dead" banned from classrooms because it contains profanity, and said she will appeal the decision.
Irving complained when the book was being read to her son at John Fuller School in Conway.
Judy Wooster, assistant superintendent, said Wednesday she reread the book and researched its use elsewhere and recommended it remain in the library, but said fifth-grade teachers should be told it is not required.
The book, set in Redding, Conn., in 1775, is about the struggles of a family torn apart by the war.
It is written by James and Christopher Collier, brothers who have been writing historical fiction since the mid-'70s, Wooster said, and they are "generally acknowledged as masters of the genre for children and young adults. Their books are historically accurate, of high interest, and make history come alive for students."
The book won the Newbery Honor Book for 1974, Wooster said, which is "regarded as (the) most prestigious award for children's literature," the American Library Association's notable children's book award, and it was a national book award finalist in 1975.
Though the book has been challenged on grounds of profanity in other school districts in the United States, Wooster said it generally has been retained in elementary school libraries, but was eliminated from one.
It is the second book challenged recently on profanity grounds.
Mike Ouellette, who has no children in the system, complained about "The Fighting Ground" by Avi, another award-winning author.
The book is about the American Revolution and during some of the battle scenes, characters utter profanities.
The book remains in the curriculum and Ouellette is appealing the decision Monday before the school board.
