Book challenge: Of Mice and Men, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

From the Spokesman-Review:

“The story is neither a quality story nor a page turner,” Finney said of John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men.”

Finney and three other members of a district curriculum-review committee have recommended “Of Mice and Men” be pulled from classroom instruction and made available only on a voluntary, small-group basis in ninth grade English classes. The school board will vote on the recommendation next month.

Its use of profanity – “bastard,” for instance, and “God damn” – makes the 1937 book unsuitable for freshmen, said Finney, a parent who has objected to other books from the Coeur d’Alene School District curriculum over the years.

Alternate reading assignments are available, and according to a school board member, it's been taught for years with little-to-no controversy... so I'm really not sure why there's such a push to remove it as an option.

Previously: Challenged in Kansas.

Previously: Challenged in Tennessee.

Previously: Challenged in Iowa.

Previously: Challenged in California.

Previously: Challenged in Texas.