“Rick” summer reading

[Anonymous]

The majority should not be held hostage to 1% or less of the population. Enough is enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My 10yo going into 5th grade has read it. She read George too. She’s fine. Hopefully it helped her understand what other kids might be growing thru and have some empathy. Try and have an open mind OP. Maybe if you actually read the book you might realize it’s not about sex.

Actually, it is very much about sexuality. I have lots of empathy and no judgment against anyone who is LGBTQ. I just think it is an odd choice for a school to promote a book to everyone about an 11 year old questioning why he is not attracted to either boys or girls and finding comfort in the rainbow club (and learning about asexuality). No, I don't think the book will turn my kid gay. But it is not the norm for a kid to wonder about their sexuality at age 11 and to feel that it needs to be identified and labeled. Of course there will be kids that relate to this. That is fine. They can seek out the book and read it. I never said ban it. But it is poor judgment and confusing for a school to recommend the book at the age of 11 when 90% or more of kids are not questioning their sexual identity. I wouldn't have a problem if this were high school and the kids had more life context for the subject but it is early for middle school to promote it as most have not been through puberty yet.

There is a difference between a school factually teaching the basics about puberty, reproduction, and sexual orientation vs. promoting a book that goes indepth about a specific person's experience and viewpoint. The former is about educating, the latter is about showing what values you want the student to have which is not the role of the school (even if admirable). I object to the viewpoint because I don't think kids should be given the message they need to label and identify themselves at the age of 11.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:To the LGBTQ poster. I don’t care about your sexuality but my kid doesn’t need to explore their sexuality in public school through assigned reading and adult intervention. The fact you jump to a nasty term like “bigotry” makes me think you’re the one who needs to learn about the rights of others and respecting others. My kids can respect others but at the end of the day it is not the role of public schools to teach that, that is my role as a parent.

Newsflash: your kids already know. Wake up.

+1. You want other people to hide or be quiet about their sexuality or gender identity. You do not want to allow schools to recognize their lives in the same
way that the lives of straight people are represented - through stories. That is bigotry. You have a right to believe what you want but you don’t have a right to insist that other people’s voices, identities and presentation be silenced. It is the role of public schools to teach about the world we live in and LGBTQIA people are a full and equal part of that world.

I'll wait patiently for the novel that encourages kids to explore Christianity...

If we’re going to define a book that mentions something as “encouraging kids to explore” that thing, then MCPS has a ton of books that encourage kids to explore Christianity. Certainly anything that mentions Pilgrims, or founding father or the Civil Rights movement, or a character celebrating Christmas would count.

+1. Not to mention you can take a World Religions class in high school. You can join an afterschool prayer group or, as SCOTUS just decided this term, your football coach can pray with the team on the 50 yard line.

Is the World Religions class mandatory?

Reading this book is mandatory for 11yo kids at this school.

Personally, I don’t think they should even offer the World Religions class in public high school, but whatever. The difference is that the class is not mandatory for graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s pretty disturbing grown adults feel a need for 11 year olds to be educated on their sexuality. Leave the kids alone.

Apparently you were never in middle school. Kids are aware. Hormones are everywhere. You can smell in the halls. (Or was that just more Axe?)

When I was 11, I was entering 6th grade, my last year of elementary school. Middle school was a world away. These kids are still 11 and prepubescent, even though we push them into middle school with kids who already smell like hormones and Axe.

It was in direct response to your comment. You were replying to the fact that kids are already aware of the issues in this book. You're trying to say 11 year olds are prepubescent and pushed in with middle school kids too soon, implying a book like this is too soon for them. Also, the world has changed since you were 11. Try and keep up.

That's because MCPS started talking about them in ES.

Talking about who? Talking about what?

MCPS starts introducing kids to the idea of being non-binary or trans in ES. There are boos available in the library and the librarians will sometimes choose these LGBQT-friendly books to read to the kids.

You’re delusional if you don’t think they know this without any help from mcps or a book. Join the rest of us in the real world.

This is a ridiculous argument. There are plenty of topics that MS kids may ‘know about’. Not all of them are appropriate for MCPS to require reading about.

[Anonymous]

The book in question is about a kid who feels like they don’t fit in in middle school. It explores themes of acceptance. Apparently parents in this county have a difficult time separating sexuality and being an ally/ finding a community of people who you feel comfortable with. That’s all the book is about but you imbeciles in here can’t be bothered to actually read the book to understand what you’re so “outraged” about. It’s pathetic.

So true!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 10yo going into 5th grade has read it. She read George too. She’s fine. Hopefully it helped her understand what other kids might be growing thru and have some empathy. Try and have an open mind OP. Maybe if you actually read the book you might realize it’s not about sex.

Actually, it is very much about sexuality. I have lots of empathy and no judgment against anyone who is LGBTQ. I just think it is an odd choice for a school to promote a book to everyone about an 11 year old questioning why he is not attracted to either boys or girls and finding comfort in the rainbow club (and learning about asexuality). No, I don't think the book will turn my kid gay. But it is not the norm for a kid to wonder about their sexuality at age 11 and to feel that it needs to be identified and labeled. Of course there will be kids that relate to this. That is fine. They can seek out the book and read it. I never said ban it. But it is poor judgment and confusing for a school to recommend the book at the age of 11 when 90% or more of kids are not questioning their sexual identity. I wouldn't have a problem if this were high school and the kids had more life context for the subject but it is early for middle school to promote it as most have not been through puberty yet.

There is a difference between a school factually teaching the basics about puberty, reproduction, and sexual orientation vs. promoting a book that goes indepth about a specific person's experience and viewpoint. The former is about educating, the latter is about showing what values you want the student to have which is not the role of the school (even if admirable). I object to the viewpoint because I don't think kids should be given the message they need to label and identify themselves at the age of 11.

This pretty much all of fiction, drama, memoir, and biography. Are you really proposing eliminating those from the curriculum?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are state laws that require informing parents of the content of sexual materials and allowing parents the right to opt their kids out of these types of discussions. As a matter of the law. The Supreme Court also recognizes the rights of parents, you know that Court that created the right for gay marriage? Although pushing this agenda for kids I can 100% assure you will result in that right being overturned like Roe v Wade and left to the states. Keep pushing on kids this is what you will achieve. The Florida Gov sees how effective this is and is taking it National guaranteed.

You're not even informed enough to have a voice that carries any weight in this discussion. This story has nothing to do with anything sexual. It's about a kid who is confused about his place in the world and he's starting to figure it out. Much like most middle schoolers are whether they are gay, straight, binary, non-binary. It's just telling the same tale as old as time in a way that shows kids acceptance and empathy for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

That is dishonest. How can you say that when we’re talking about being sexually attracted (or not) to one gender or another.

That is very much about sexuality.

You can have a book that is a kid ‘bring confided about his place in the world’ without having it be about sexuality. But that is not the case here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are state laws that require informing parents of the content of sexual materials and allowing parents the right to opt their kids out of these types of discussions. As a matter of the law. The Supreme Court also recognizes the rights of parents, you know that Court that created the right for gay marriage? Although pushing this agenda for kids I can 100% assure you will result in that right being overturned like Roe v Wade and left to the states. Keep pushing on kids this is what you will achieve. The Florida Gov sees how effective this is and is taking it National guaranteed.

You're not even informed enough to have a voice that carries any weight in this discussion. This story has nothing to do with anything sexual. It's about a kid who is confused about his place in the world and he's starting to figure it out. Much like most middle schoolers are whether they are gay, straight, binary, non-binary. It's just telling the same tale as old as time in a way that shows kids acceptance and empathy for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

That is dishonest. How can you say that when we’re talking about being sexually attracted (or not) to one gender or another.

That is very much about sexuality.

You can have a book that is a kid ‘bring confided about his place in the world’ without having it be about sexuality. But that is not the case here.

The kid feels pressured to pretend he likes girls, and to harass girls. He learns that it's OK that he's not interested in boys or girls, and that that could be a function of his age and change, or something that stays the same, and that either of those are find. He gets up the courage to talk to his family, and to stand up to his best friend who is a bully, and makes new friends.

On that list of things, which ones would you be horrified if you 11 year old copied?

Deciding he's not yet interested in anyone sexually?

Standing up to pressure to do things that are wrong?

Finding new friends in middle school?

Talking to his parents about how he feels?

Forming a relationship with his own grandfather?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are state laws that require informing parents of the content of sexual materials and allowing parents the right to opt their kids out of these types of discussions. As a matter of the law. The Supreme Court also recognizes the rights of parents, you know that Court that created the right for gay marriage? Although pushing this agenda for kids I can 100% assure you will result in that right being overturned like Roe v Wade and left to the states. Keep pushing on kids this is what you will achieve. The Florida Gov sees how effective this is and is taking it National guaranteed.

You're not even informed enough to have a voice that carries any weight in this discussion. This story has nothing to do with anything sexual. It's about a kid who is confused about his place in the world and he's starting to figure it out. Much like most middle schoolers are whether they are gay, straight, binary, non-binary. It's just telling the same tale as old as time in a way that shows kids acceptance and empathy for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

What is 2S?

Why is it no one on DCUM can answer their own questions? A two second Google search provides you with the answer. Probably took shorter for me to look up than it did for you to post. But I'm sure the point of your post was to be snarky that they've added more to the acronym. It stands lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit. Do your own homework next time.

Nah. If you are going to post a term that might not be well-known, you should explain it.

What is ‘two-spirit’?

why stop at 2?

[Anonymous]

[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]There are state laws that require informing parents of the content of sexual materials and allowing parents the right to opt their kids out of these types of discussions. As a matter of the law. The Supreme Court also recognizes the rights of parents, you know that Court that created the right for gay marriage? Although pushing this agenda for kids I can 100% assure you will result in that right being overturned like Roe v Wade and left to the states. Keep pushing on kids this is what you will achieve. The Florida Gov sees how effective this is and is taking it National guaranteed.
[/quote]

You're not even informed enough to have a voice that carries any weight in this discussion. This story has nothing to do with anything sexual. It's about a kid who is confused about his place in the world and he's starting to figure it out. Much like most middle schoolers are whether they are gay, straight, binary, non-binary. It's just telling the same tale as old as time in a way that shows kids acceptance and empathy for the LGBTQ2S+ community. [/quote]

What is 2S?[/quote]

Why is it no one on DCUM can answer their own questions? A two second Google search provides you with the answer. Probably took shorter for me to look up than it did for you to post. But I'm sure the point of your post was to be snarky that they've added more to the acronym. It stands lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit. Do your own homework next time. [/quote]

Nah. If you are going to post a term that might not be well-known, you should explain it.

What is ‘two-spirit’?[/quote]

How lazy are you? No wonder you’re ignorant, you don’t bother to educate yourself, you expect everyone else to do it for you. Look it up yourself. Or don’t. Continue being ignorant.[/quote]

Wow, take a breath.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are state laws that require informing parents of the content of sexual materials and allowing parents the right to opt their kids out of these types of discussions. As a matter of the law. The Supreme Court also recognizes the rights of parents, you know that Court that created the right for gay marriage? Although pushing this agenda for kids I can 100% assure you will result in that right being overturned like Roe v Wade and left to the states. Keep pushing on kids this is what you will achieve. The Florida Gov sees how effective this is and is taking it National guaranteed.

You're not even informed enough to have a voice that carries any weight in this discussion. This story has nothing to do with anything sexual. It's about a kid who is confused about his place in the world and he's starting to figure it out. Much like most middle schoolers are whether they are gay, straight, binary, non-binary. It's just telling the same tale as old as time in a way that shows kids acceptance and empathy for the LGBTQ2S+ community.

What is 2S?

Why is it no one on DCUM can answer their own questions? A two second Google search provides you with the answer. Probably took shorter for me to look up than it did for you to post. But I'm sure the point of your post was to be snarky that they've added more to the acronym. It stands lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and two-spirit. Do your own homework next time.

Nah. If you are going to post a term that might not be well-known, you should explain it.

What is ‘two-spirit’?

why stop at 2?

I don’t even know what 2 spirit could possible mean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It’s pretty disturbing grown adults feel a need for 11 year olds to be educated on their sexuality. Leave the kids alone.

Apparently you were never in middle school. Kids are aware. Hormones are everywhere. You can smell in the halls. (Or was that just more Axe?)

When I was 11, I was entering 6th grade, my last year of elementary school. Middle school was a world away. These kids are still 11 and prepubescent, even though we push them into middle school with kids who already smell like hormones and Axe.

It was in direct response to your comment. You were replying to the fact that kids are already aware of the issues in this book. You're trying to say 11 year olds are prepubescent and pushed in with middle school kids too soon, implying a book like this is too soon for them. Also, the world has changed since you were 11. Try and keep up.

That's because MCPS started talking about them in ES.

Talking about who? Talking about what?

MCPS starts introducing kids to the idea of being non-binary or trans in ES. There are boos available in the library and the librarians will sometimes choose these LGBQT-friendly books to read to the kids.

You’re delusional if you don’t think they know this without any help from mcps or a book. Join the rest of us in the real world.

So throughout history, there were all of these non-binary/trans people suffering in silence, and only now they have the freedom to burst forth? I think you are the one who is delusional to discount the impact of social sanction of these "conditions." Any troubled kid is now treated as "brave" and "cool," getting special attention from adults and peers at school and work if they articulate discomfort with the normal process of puberty and/or body self-image.

Ummm, yes actually. Do you think being trans is a new concept? People did suffer in silence. They didn’t have communities for support. That is the entire point of this book. Now people don’t have to suffer in silence, they can find supportive people to surround themselves with. And if you’re binary and straight, it teaches you to be empathetic to others. It’s not a how to manual on “how to be non-binary”. That wouldn’t work anyway if you knew anything about being trans and you sound so uneducated that I’m sure you haven’t spent a single moment researching. Be better.

I saw a documentary about 25 years ago, about someone who was "trans" in a tribe in the middle of a jungle in the middle of nowhere. The tribe was accepting. They even had a word for a boy born in a girl's body or a girl born in a boy's body, even though it hadn't happened in like 4 generations. No one in the tribe was alive the last time they had had a trans member. So yes, it has always happened -- but not at this rate.

I think it has more to do with plastics and other hormone disruptors than school reading lists, but I also think parents have a right to object without being told they're backward and close-minded and bigoted. That's simply not the case.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t the state leave these sensitive topics for parents to teach their kids. I don’t want a government employee guiding my kids with their or the state sanctioned view on sexuality.

Yet people want schools to educate children on manners, proper social behavior, and many other things beyond reading and math. But just not this--am I right?

I teach my kids manners and social behavior. Teachers can stick to math.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t the state leave these sensitive topics for parents to teach their kids. I don’t want a government employee guiding my kids with their or the state sanctioned view on sexuality.

Yet people want schools to educate children on manners, proper social behavior, and many other things beyond reading and math. But just not this--am I right?

I teach my kids manners and social behavior. Teachers can stick to math.

And when their education is disrupted by other kids who haven’t been taught that’s fine. Right? Because having any kind of community standards or norms is overstepping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why can’t the state leave these sensitive topics for parents to teach their kids. I don’t want a government employee guiding my kids with their or the state sanctioned view on sexuality.

Yet people want schools to educate children on manners, proper social behavior, and many other things beyond reading and math. But just not this--am I right?

I teach my kids manners and social behavior. Teachers can stick to math.

Homeschool or private school then.