School bans book on Laura Bush's list of 10 best for all ages

December 1, 2008 - 9:15am — Blake

A book that some call profane and anti-Catholic is causing a stir at Orestimba High School in this central valley town southwest of Turlock. Teachers argue the work, "Bless Me, Ultima," is a powerful story that connects with teenagers. Newman-Crows Landing Unified School District Superintendent Rick Fauss decided the book is not suitable for teenagers and banned it for the rest of the school year.

"I think there's room for exposing students to other experiences, but do we have to sacrifice the values of our families and our community to do that?" asked Fauss, a former high school English teacher.

He hasn't read the entire book but said he's "read enough."