Banned Books Week – “Mrs. Mike”

When I was in 6^th grade, 12 years old, I learned about intellectual freedom from my parents.  

Back in the dark ages, 6^th grade was part of the Elementary School.  We still had recess and every day after recess we read for 15 minutes.  I see now this did double duty—calming a rambunctious group of kids down and getting us to read.  My teacher always said she did not care what we read, as long as we quietly read during that time—bring something from home, borrow something from the classroom or borrow something from the school library.  

I had become accustomed to my teacher roaming the room and stopping to ask my fellow students what they were reading and asking if the student liked the book.  This particular day, she stopped by my desk and asked me.  I was reading Mrs. Mike by Benedict and Nancy Freedman.  I had held the book up to show my teacher and she took it out my hand and asked where I had gotten it from.  I was confused and answered honestly, my Mother had loaned it to me after she finished reading it because she thought I would enjoy it.  The teacher accused me of lying and said the book was not appropriate and took the book with her to her desk.  

Twelve is already a rough age.  Now imagine a shy 12 year old being called a liar in front of her classmates by the teacher.  To say I was embarrassed and upset is a mild description of my emotions.  Added to this, was the fact that I had been taught to care for books, especially ones loaned to me, and I had just lost my Mom’s book.  

When I got home, my Mother immediately new something was wrong.  After I told her what had happened, she was more than a little upset.  My Father worked evenings so was not home when school was over and was usually sleeping in the morning when  I went to school. I do not know what my Mom told my Dad, but the next morning they drove me to school for a meeting with the teacher and the principal.

I will never forget that meeting.  My Mother demanded the book back that she had loaned to me.  And, both of my parents made it very clear, that only they have the right to decide what their child could and could not read.  They believed, and still believe, that reading about different cultures, experiences, and beliefs would help me to understand the world.  

I got the book back that day.  My Mom gave me the book and I have kept it ever since.  A few years ago, I decided to reread Mrs. Mike.  To this day, I cannot figure out what my teacher found so troubling.  Yes, it is a romance, but there is nothing graphic—those babies just poofed into existence in the book without much explanation.  

So, this Banned Books week, I find myself reflecting on  that experience and feeling especially thankful to my parents.  They taught me the importance of intellectual freedom.  I am also very grateful that I found a career that aligns with my values—one that protects intellectual freedom and encourages curiosity, empathy, and understanding.

---

For more information on banned books, view our Intellectual Freedom blogs:
Intellectual Freedom at Boone County Public Library
More on Intellectual Freedom at Boone County Public Library