The book in question, Colonization and the Wampanoag Storywas written by Linda Coombs in September 2023 and aims to introduce young readers to the Native American perspective on the history of colonization. However, after the decision of a panel of citizens, it was placed in the “fiction” row in children’s libraries.
Montgomery County, in the state of Texas, is in controversy for having placed a historical book on the colonization of Native Americans in the “fiction” section of its children’s libraries, reports this Monday, October 21 Guardian.
The book in question, Colonization and the Wampanoag Storywas written by Linda Coombs in September 2023 and aims to introduce young readers to the Native American perspective on the history of colonization. However, after the decision of a panel of citizens, it was placed in the “fiction” row in children’s libraries.
“Claiming that this book is fiction detracts from our perspective on the facts and our history,” said Debbie Reese, the founder of American Indians in Children Literature, an organization that offers critical analysis of the Native American presence in literature.
34.000 signatures
In other Texas cities, including Houston, Austin, and Fort Worth, all libraries recognized that it was indeed a work of nonfiction, reports local newspaper San Antonio Current. The decision to reclassify this book was made without the agreement of the librarians.
A petition asking the panel of citizens to review their decision and put the work “in its right place” has collected more than 34,000 signatures. “As Texas parents, we oppose the decision to reclassify this book as fiction,” said Anne Russey, head of the Texas Freedom to Read Project.
Many groups and organizations, including Penguin Random House, condemn Montgomery County for this decision
Clément Boutin Journalist BFMTV
