Wentzville R‑IV board clears committee recommendations to retain three challenged books

The Wentzville R‑IV Board of Education approved committee recommendations to retain three challenged titles in district high school libraries: Tricks by Ellen Hopkins, the graphic-novel edition of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, and Lucky by Alice Sebold.

Each retention was brought to the board as a separate motion and carried by roll call. For Tricks, the roll call recorded: Dr. Lewis — Aye; President Scott — Aye; Dr. Henke — Nay; Secretary Biesenthal — Aye; Dr. Olsen — Nay; Dr. Wei — Aye (motion carries). Similar vote patterns carried the motions to retain The Kite Runner graphic novel and Lucky.

Board discussion focused on age appropriateness and on how the district reviews materials. One board member said of Tricks, “This book ... is not age appropriate due to the explicit nature,” language echoed for the other challenged titles. Pat, a school librarian present during the discussion, told the board she had not yet conducted a formal review of the three specific books under the district’s graphic-content standard, although she said librarians typically review graphic material before books are placed on shelves. Katie, a district staff member responsible for the challenge process, said she would follow up and confirm which titles appear at which levels and provide documentation to board members.

Board members and librarians clarified where the titles are shelved: Tricks and Lucky appear in Holt High School Library; Tricks is also in the Northpointe High School Library; The Kite Runner graphic novel is at Holt High School. A district staff member stated that parental restrictions can be placed on student circulation records as a “note” or circulation hold to prevent specific checkouts and that restrictions can apply to both physical and some online resources, although details vary by platform and classification (elementary/middle/high school and “young adult” or “adult” designations).

Why it matters: The decisions keep the three titles available in high school collections while prompting staff to clarify and document review procedures and parental opt-out processes. The discussion highlighted differences in how librarians and parents understand circulation restrictions and how classification (young adult vs. adult) affects restriction options.

What’s next: District staff (Katie and the lead librarians) will provide follow-up documentation about which titles are located at which school level and how parental restrictions operate for both physical and digital materials.