As a grandmother, reader, writer of children’s books and member of Authors Against Book Bans, I commend the Seaside School District for its reasonable and thoughtful response to two parents who challenged the inclusion of “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” in the high school curriculum.

I’m delighted that the advisory committee voted unanimously to keep the book, which is at times a tough read for the simple reason that teen life is, at times, tough. Books that don’t flinch at difficulty encourage empathy, and reveal a model of hope for better times ahead. Empathy and hope are two qualities most of us want for ourselves and for young people, too.

I’m also impressed by the district’s respectful, and (dare I say), inclusive process for hearing citizens’ concerns and, finally, by the Seaside Signal’s excellent coverage of the issue. Democracy thrives on dialogue, and it is nice to see dialogue thriving in Seaside.

MARTHA FREEMAN

Eugene