Newbery Novel Stirs Controversy

A dispute has emerged in recent weeks among authors and librarians across the country over the use of the word "scrotum" in the Newbery Award-winning novel The Higher Power of Lucky by Susan Patron.

Lisa Yee at Authors Support Intellectual Freedom writes:

This is a Newbery book, singled out for its literary merit, and honored by the American Library Association. It was written by a librarian. To not carry it in a library infringes upon one's intellectual freedom. It denies the reader the opportunity to choose, or not choose, to read the book.

Patron's fellow Newberry honorees have issued the following statement of support:

As the Newbery Honor recipients we wanted to share our feelings on the current Newbery discussions. We are delighted and honored to be in the wonderful company of Susan Patron and her incredible book, The Higher Power of Lucky. We support her creative vision and hope that the present controversy will not overshadow her remarkable achievement. Readers everywhere, young and old, are truly lucky to have such a book in their schools, libraries, stores, and in the world.

Jennifer Holm, author the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, PENNY FROM HEAVEN (Random House Children's Books)
Kirby Larson, author the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, HATTIE BIG SKY (Random House Children's Books)
Cynthia Lord, author of the 2007 Newbery Honor Book, RULES (Scholastic Press)