The First R Foundation, a Gloucester charitable organization, buys books to give to first graders in Rockport and Gloucester. In early December, First R chose “It’s a Book” by Lane Smith. The book has been favorably reviewed in the “New York Times” and features three characters — a monkey, a mouse, and a jackass (not a donkey – a jackass) — who discuss the merits of old-fashioned paper books. It’s a good idea but the final words “It’s a book, Jackass!” caused the Rockport schools to say, “Thanks, but no thanks.” Here is my slightly abridged letter to the “Gloucester Daily Times.”

To the editor:

As a Gloucester resident who is both an author and a parent, I’d like to offer my viewpoint on the controversy surrounding the choice of “It’s a Book” by the First R Foundation.

The foundation’s mission and activities are to be applauded. But in deciding to decline “It’s a Book” as a gift given to all Rockport first graders, Dr. Susan M. King made the correct decision. The quality of the book is not the issue. The issue is whether it is age appropriate. The world is full of wonderful books that, because of language or content, are simply not meant for first graders. Just because the author or the publisher says the book is appropriate doesn’t necessarily make it so.

It may be tempting to blow this decision out of proportion. One of the foundation?s board members is quoted as saying that “the greatest books in history usually caused some sort of disquiet.” This has nothing to do with the issue at hand and to claim that “It’s a Book” has literary significance is at best premature and at worst, laughable. Meanwhile, the foundation’s chairperson claims that the word “jackass” is a “rather out-of-date minor insult.” As the parent of two children who were once in first grade, I can tell the chairperson that nothing would drive a parent crazier than a child running around the house yelling, “It’s a book, Jackass!” Believe me, this is precisely the kind of thrillingly naughty phrase that kids repeat endlessly. My guess is that the book’s author, Lane Smith, knows this and included the phrase as a punchline that would excite young readers.

It was suggested, apparently by the foundation, that the final word “jackass” be obscured in each copy given away. As an author, I find this idea to be repellent. Either read the book or don’t read it. Crossing out offensive words is silly. Just give the kids a different book.

“It’s a Book” is not a literary masterpiece that first graders must read. There are thousands of wonderful age-appropriate books available for kids of all ages. What’s the big problem? I see no reason why the First R Foundation can’t simply choose a different book and let everyone get on with their lives.

It’s a Book