Ever the bastions of calm and rational thinking (!?) commenters on Mumsnet, a very popular ‘advice’ and debate website, are calling for a certain Jacqueline Wilson book to be banned.
The book in question is Love Lessons which deals with an inappropriate teacher/pupil relationship. One Mumsnet commenter posted her concerns after she reread the book while “on a nostalgia kick” but was shocked at how differently she felt about the book’s themes now.
The story revolves around a home-educated 14 year old girl, Prue, who is sent to a local school when her father falls ill. She doesn’t enjoy it at all, unlike her younger sister who adapts well, and Prue finds her only solace is the art lessons. The art teacher, Keith ‘Rax’ Raxberry, is kind to Prue and she soon develops a crush on him. Their relationship eventually becomes wholly inappropriate, others find out about the ‘make out sessions’, and Prue leaves the school but the teacher remains in his position as an art teacher.
The concerned mother posted:
“At the moment in on a bit of a nostalgia kick book wise and have been reading all my old Jacqueline Wilson books. I’ve just finished rereading Love Lessons. It’s about a lonely teenager (14) who falls “in love” with her male teacher who reciprocates the feelings and acts upon them.”
“When I read this as a teenager, I thought it was romantic and a really sad love story but now as an adult, all I can think is what on earth was JW thinking?! Teenage girls always get crushes on teachers but it’s like this book is saying to try and act on it because some teachers might love you back. And then when the girl is asked to leave the school, the things the head teacher says to her are appalling. Quotes:
“You should have thought of that before you started acting in this ridiculous and precocious manner. If I were another kind of head teacher I would have Mr Raxberry instantly suspended. There could even be a court case. He would not only lose his job, he could find himself in very serious trouble. Did you ever stop to think about that?” – is complete victim blaming and ignoring (and failing to report) abuse.
“The girl says “none of this was his fault.” and the head teacher says “I’m inclined to believe you.” Again blaming the girl for what happened. It’s like JW is saying that a 14 year old girl could be responsible for an adult male risking his job and taking advantage of a pupil. Like she should have been the one to say no. And she’s also saying that people in authority (the people someone abused should confide in) might think that way too. What will girls reading that book think? At no point does JW use the story to explain that this is abuse, the girl is a victim and that the teacher is responsible for the situation and not the girl.”
Jacqueline Wilson
Other Mumsnet commenters entered the debate, calling for the book to be banned, or saying they are never buying Wilson’s books for their kids. Many had understandable concerns that the book romanticises a teacher/pupil relationship and puts the blame solely on the schoolgirl.
Of course they are not entirely wrong, the book does show how adults in Prue’s life lay the blame at her feet, plus the teacher is never reprimanded for misconduct (which is worrying…). However, Jacqueline Wilson has never shied away from awkward, troubling, and grown up themes for her tween literature, why would this book be any different?
As other commenters stated during the debate, this book would be a great ‘thinker’- introducing the story to your 12+ child and speaking after about the themes within the book would be appropriate, rather than letting them believe it is a story of romance and a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ story of love that will never be.
It would be unwise, and perhaps dangerous, for adults to assume teen girls never develop crushes on grown ups they admire, and that teachers are not capable of being tempted. As uncomfortable as it may make us it is important to understand that Jacqueline Wilson provides books like these to spark conversations like these.
What are your thoughts? Is it worth banning a book because we do not like its themes? Is it up to parents to know what their children are reading, and to allow open dialogue after about what they have read?
Let us know your thoughts?
Poisonous books removed from the National Library of France
Book Returned to Scottish Library 73 Years Late
loved elsa star of the shelter when we were homeless with two little ones.