As many of you may know, Loudoun made national news the past week for banning a book in elementary school libraries. A parent at Sugarland Elementary complained about a storybook called And Tango Makes Three. Per LCPS policy, a local committee reviewed the book and recommended that it stay on the shelves. The parent appealed the decision. A district committee reviewed the book and also recommended retention. However, Dr. Hatrick overruled the committee (he has the final say under current policy) and restricted the book in all elementary schools. Tango is now part of a professional development collection, available only to teachers; children can no longer check the book out.

And Tango Makes Three is an award-winning children’s book that also happens to be the American Library Association’s most challenged book of 2006. It’s based on the true story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins at the Central Park Zoo who hatch an adopted egg and raise the chick together. It’s a wonderful story about families. Its awards include Nick Jr. Family Magazine Best Book of the Year, Bank Street Best Book of the Year, and American Library Association Notable Children’s Book.

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