Panel backs school on ‘Catcher in the Rye’

PORTLAND – Despite a parent’s objections, “The Catcher in the Rye” apparently will remain on freshman reading lists at Noble High School in Berwick.

A committee that studied J.D. Salinger’s coming-of-age novel about a 16-year-old boy is recommending to the SAD 60 board that teachers be allowed to assign it to ninth-graders.

The panel, made up of school administrators, school board members, teachers, parents, students and a librarian, came to its unanimous conclusion after reading and reviewing the book.

The issue came to the fore after Andrea Minnon of Lebanon complained that the book is inappropriate for children her son’s age – 14.

The school district allows students to read something else when their families object to a book assignment, but Minnon sought to have the book removed from the ninth-grade curriculum entirely so that her son would not miss out on classroom discussions.

Minnon said the book had scenes depicting immorality, discussions of sexuality, instances of disrespect toward adults and teachers, use of alcohol and tobacco, lying and profanity.

While the final decision about the book lies with the school board, Minnon said she has no doubt that the committee’s recommendation will be accepted.