To use it.. or not to use it? Controversial topics in children's literature

• 2006 Kirkus Editor's Choice
• 2006 American Library Association Notable Book
• A Nick Jr. Best Book of 2006

It's Not the Stork! written by Robie H. Harris and illustrated by Michael Emberley is a book about girls, boys, babies, bodies, families, and friends.  It's Not the Stork! discusses the taboo topic of sex with kid friendly gloves.  The text incorporates scientific terminology along with cartoon strip drawings to convey how a baby is "made", including drawings of males and females and their body parts.  It is not a secret that many teachers and parents may be nervous or even upset about the use of this book in the elementary classroom.  As a future teacher, and the fact that I have siblings in the second grade, I completely understand the apprehension of many adults.  With that being said, I believe this book is a wonderful tool that can be used once students are curious and are raising questions.  This is a book that I would send home with students to discuss with their parents or have available for students to look through on their own.  I know for a fact that teachers frequently hear, "Where do babies come from?" and beginning teachers may not know how to respond.  This book is a resource that can be kept on the shelf to pull out whenever necessary.  I highly recommend this book for every teacher in the elementary grades!

• One Hundred Books that Shaped the Century List compiled by the School Library Journal
• Caldecott Medal 1995

Smoky Night written by Eve Bunting and illustrated by David Diaz sheds light on the topic of racism and some of the unfortunate events that may come from such hatred such as rioting.  Smoky Night was written in response to the Rodney King incident in Los Angeles, California, which may be the topic of controversy in an elementary classroom.  This book tackles the obstacles of explaining rioting and racism to children through the use of stunning illustrations and text that children may identify with through their own moral compass.  The illustrations on each page are done in acrylics that do not elude to any particular race being portrayed.  The backgrounds to the acrylic paintings are photographs of items or materials that are related to the text on the same page. 
As a future teacher I feel that discussing the topic of racism at an early age is important.  Many adults that feel they are protecting children from such topics do not realize the implications that may come from their sheltering.  Students need to be able to openly discuss topics such as racism in order to develop their own societal responsibility and form their own conclusions about the implications of racism.
Smoky Night is a book that lends itself to many uses in an elementary classroom.  It could be readily available in my classroom or used in a lesson in social studies, language arts, or even creative writing!

Do You Sing Twinkle? A Story about Remarriage and New Family written by Sandra Levins and illustrated by Bryan Langdo is told from the viewpoint of a young boy who is struggling with his parents' divorce.  This book may be considered controversial due to the topic of divorce but is actually a great resource for helping children deal with their feelings and questions about parent seperationg and remarriage.  At the end of the book there is a parent resource page written by Jane Annunziata, PsyD, that desrcibes coping strategies for children to be implemented by the parents for a variety of situations involved with acclamating to a lifestyle after separation.  This is a book that I would send home with students to read with their parents if they were having difficulties with a new family situation.  This is also a resource that I could turn to if I had parents coming to me with questions about how to discuss issues related to impending or recent divorce with their children.