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Board adopts two middle- and junior-high novels after review; district offers opt-outs for objections

Kingman Unified School District (79598) · November 13, 2025

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Summary

Trustees approved 'A Long Walk to Water' for grades 6–8 and 'The Barcode Tattoo' for eighth-grade curriculum after 60-day displays and curriculum-committee review; staff said families objecting to 'Barcode Tattoo' may request an alternate assignment.

The Kingman Unified School District board approved two curriculum adoptions on Nov. 13 after each title completed the district’s review and public-display process.

'A Long Walk to Water' (for grades 6–8) was placed on the required 60-day public display beginning Sept. 9 following a curriculum-committee review on Aug. 19. District staff said they received no public comments and recommended adoption; trustees voted to approve the book’s inclusion in the middle-school curriculum.

Trustees then considered 'The Barcode Tattoo,' a dystopian novel presented by teacher Ms. Rausch and described by trustees as cross-curricular, touching on civics and DNA/science projects. Board members discussed whether the book’s themes were appropriate for eighth graders. Ms. Rausch and other supporters said the book fosters debate and critical thinking; staff confirmed that families who object would be offered an alternate title so that no student must read it over a parent’s objection.

The board moved to adopt both titles by voice vote. Trustees said they expect teachers to frame classroom discussions and provide context for challenging themes.