WHY HAS ONE WORD, "scrotum," generated such controversy and heated debate over my book, "The Higher Power of Lucky"? Lucky, the protagonist, overhears the word on the first page, doesn't know what it means, and wonders — but there's no one she can trust enough to ask about it. The tiny town of Hard Pan, Calif., hasn't many resources for a curious, vulnerable 10-year-old trying to figure out how the world works.
The problem with "scrotum," evidently, is discomfort among adults who do not wish to see references to body parts in children's literature. Also, fear of giggling. What if the teacher or librarian loses control of a class of kids, however briefly, while reading the book aloud? Even the (ludicrous) specter of a lawsuit over sexual harassment has been raised!
I will say one thing after reading Lucky, it did seem much more mature than the recommended age on the inside flap...at least to me anyway. While I don't find it particularly inappropriate, it just seemed odd for a 3rd grader...but what do I know. I would've used the word balls. The Higher Power of Balls. Hey, that's not bad...credit me please if you are going to use it. Thanks. I am obviously biased though...can't really criticize of of our own now can we?
P.S. As mentioned before, we do not have a copy of the book at our branch...I don't make these decisions ;)
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