Author of transgender book for children will visit Wichita

WICHITA, Kan. – The author of a children’s book about a transgender fourth-grader is planning to visit a city in Kansas where the book’s presence in school libraries has prompted debate.

The Wichita Eagle reports that Alex Gino has announced a Nov. 2 appearance at Wichita State University.

The library supervisor for the Wichita school district has determined that the book contains language and references that aren’t appropriate for young children. That means the book, “George,” wasn’t included in a set of master list titles provided to local elementary schools.

Wichita school librarians are still allowed to carry the book. Four of the district’s 57 elementary or K-8 schools had purchased a copy as of last month. The controversy led Gino to donate more than 50 copies. So far, librarians at 30 Wichita schools have requested copies.

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Information from: The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle, http://www.kansas.com