[Banned Book Week isn’t till later in the year but it looks like folks aren’t waiting. “Bless Me, Ultima” already appears frequently on Banned Book lists (#75 on the American Library Association’s list) but something like this will only add to its mystique. If nothing else, this news has shot Anaya’s novel up to the top of my “To Read” list.]
NEWMAN — With little discussion, school district trustees voted 4-1 on Monday night to uphold the removal of “Bless Me, Ultima” from Orestimba High School’s English classes.
The decision ends a months long dispute about banning the Latino coming-of-age novel taught to sophomores.
Trustees heard another round of public comment from parents, teachers and community members urging them to look past the book’s obscenities and recognize its literary merits, including its symbolism, imagery and, most of all, its ability to connect with teenagers.
Complete Modesto Bee article here