Floriduh is currently in a flap over a faux pas made by the Department of State in its book selection for the Grove Museum’s monthly storytime program aimed at young children. It seems that the state has given the heave-ho to a bunch of books recommended for the first six months of the 2024 program due to concerns that they weren’t suitable for children and didn’t match the pre-approved reading list of the Department of Education.
Some of the books that got the chop were “VOTE!” by Eileen Christelow, “Wind Flyers” by Amanda Johnson, and “Drum Dream Girl” by Margarita Engle. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher because Christelow’s book was already on the state’s pre-approved list and considered appropriate for kids from first through fourth grade. As a result, the storytime program is now in a bit of a pickle, with only one approved book for February.
Mark Ard, the external affairs director for the Department of State, put it down to a big misunderstanding and suggested that the books could be better suited for a different time. However, there’s a distinct lack of clarity on when the books will be rescheduled or who made the call to reject them.
While it’s understandable to want to ensure that books are suitable for young children, it seems that the decision was based on more than that. For example, “VOTE!” was rejected multiple times on the grounds that it was more relevant for another month. But when asked when would be a better time to discuss voter registration and elections in Florida, Ard suddenly changed tack, claiming that the book was rated for first through fourth graders.
Eileen Christelow, the author of “VOTE!” shared her disbelief and questioned what the state was worried about. She pointed out that her book has nothing to do with race and defended her choice to feature a Black woman as her main character. Her book delves into the history of voting rights and champions the efforts to ensure voting rights for all people.
It’s important to bear in mind that the Grove Museum is committed to educating visitors about civil rights in Florida, as well as the connection between Florida Gov. LeRoy Collins and the late civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., a staunch advocate for voting rights.
As for the rejected books, their exclusion has struck a chord and prompted debate about the decision-making process behind it. It’s evident that there’s a strong desire to ensure that young children are exposed to a range of stories that promote understanding and inclusivity.
Storytime, especially in a museum of educational and historical significance, should be an opportunity to expose children to diverse stories and experiences. It’s unfortunate that politics and red tape seem to be influencing the selection of books for this purpose.
One woman even shared how Christelow’s book had inspired her to vote for the first time. Christelow’s book, published in 2008, is not just an educational tool; it is inspiring action in people. The rejection of books with themes of voting and Black history from a museum’s storytime program is a disservice to the children who would have benefited from exposure to these topics.
It’s crucial to encourage children to engage with diverse stories and ideas. After all, that’s the magic of storytelling – it allows you to immerse yourself in another world and see it from a different perspective. And this is especially crucial for young children who are learning to navigate the world around them.
