1. Dealing with Controversy in Children’s
Literature
Using biblical discernment to teach with integrity.
2. Some Controversial
Topics in Literature
Death
Divorce
Immorality
Racism
Bullying
Homelessness
Alcohol & drugs
Chronic illness/disabilities
3. Biblical Approach
Call sin “sin.” We
don’t need to
sugarcoat, but we
can be sensitive.
01
Remind students
that all sin is
equally awful in
God’s eyes.
02
Use specific
references from the
Word of God to
explain such sensitive
topics as death,
divorce, immorality,
racism, etc.
03
4. Seek Godly Wisdom
• When choosing texts for your classroom:
• Anticipate the controversial topics—read with
discernment and awareness!
• Get feedback from colleagues and administrators
• Know your students—some classes are more
mature than others
• Get parental involvement and support
• Signed syllabus
• Clear, well-written two-sentence summaries
of all the books you plan to endorse/read in
your classroom that may contain a hint of
controversy
• When in doubt, leave it out!
5. Be Open to Discussion
If a parent is truly offended by
your selections, be willing to
hear their concerns.
If a student is offended by
something he reads in a book,
be willing to dialogue with
them. Maybe the book is
revealing a sinful attitude he
has been harboring, or maybe
he has a point.
