Tell me what you think

Since 2006 I have had the honor of representing all Hillsborough County children and voters...I created this blog in 2007 and have welcomed the opportunity for feed back throughout my term.

I am now a candidate for re-election and I need your help. Visit my website at http://www.voteapril.com/ .

I still want your input. If you think something is wrong, then tell me how it can be better. If you have information that would help our children, employees, or taxpayers, this is the place to share.

Please also note that this is my personal blog, not the board's. Furthermore, the opinions expressed by posters on this blog may or may not necessarily reflect my opinions or those of the School Board.

Again, if you want to follow my campaign you can go to http://www.voteapril.com .

You can also write me at april@voteapril.com or call 813-417-1102 .

At your service,

April Griffin,
Hillsborough County School Board Member, and Candidate
District 6 (Countywide)

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Just Listen gets a reprieve


UPDATE: Just Listen book challenge

Just Listen was challenged by a parent recently and per our school board policy a review committee met yesterday to make a determination on whether the book could remain in circulation or not. Marilyn Brown with the Tampa Tribune was there and documented the meeting. Read the article here.

I posted a review of the book. After reading the book I came to the conclusion that Just Listen was a well written with vivid characterizations and a meaningful, moving plot and felt the different scenarios faced by the characters (including the one read aloud at the School Board meeting) are all unfortunate realities our children are facing everyday. I feel confident this book could be beneficial to students for a number of reasons and do not believe it should be removed from our libraries.

I stated that I had confidence that the committee of intelligent, thoughtful people would no doubt see the merits of the book. I am pleased that the review committee came to the same conclusion I did and will allow the book to remain in circulation.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I read Just Listen sometime last year, and I could not have been more thrilled with the book. It's shocking, really, that it could have been described as "repulsive," but there you go.
My school, actually, just got the book, and I was so delighted, I immediately began recommending it to all who would listen. I plan to buy it, and read it, read it, read it, and read it some more. I can't get enough of Sarah Dessen, and I can't wait to read her other works.
Anna, 15

Anonymous said...

you (April Griffin) are too immature to read that book.