Crofton Online: School Book Controversy
Text From "...the Caged Bird..."

Baltimore Sun Says, 'Can't Print It'
Crofton Online Asks, 'Why Not?'

In covering the controversy surrounding Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," the Baltimore Sun said that it can't print the parts of the book that have offended one set of parents, because of the language used. We ask, "Why not?"

Crofton Online recommends that every parent read the entire book along with your ninth grader. It is available in multiple quantities at your local library.

However, as a public service, we have reprinted the parts of the book that the complaining parents found objectionable.

The book is a nonfictional autobiography of a southern black woman growing up in the 1930s. The very first chapter contains "offensive" text, according to the parents.

The scene takes place on Sunday morning in a church. Maya is in front of the congregation reciting a poem, when she forgets the next line. After struggling, she races out of the church in embarrassment, peeing in the process. She is humiliated.

NOTE: After reading each page of text, use your browser's 'BACK' button to return to this page.

Click here for the 'Peeing in Church' text.

The second "offensive" scene occurs in Chapter 11. Maya has been left at home temporarily with her mother's boyfriend, Mr. Freeman, who ends up masturbating.

Click here for part one of the 'Masturbation' text.
Click here for part two of the 'Masturbation' text.

The third "offensive" scene occurs in Chapter 12. Mr. Freeman rapes Maya.

Click here for part one of the 'Rape' text.
Click here for part two of the 'Rape' text.
Click here for part three of the 'Rape' text.

The fourth "offensive" scene occurs in Chapter 35. Maya worries that she might be a lesbian, then decides to find out by seducing a neighborhood boy.

Click here for part one of the 'Lesbian' text.
Click here for part two of the 'Lesbian' text.
Click here for part three of the 'Lesbian' text.
Click here for part four of the 'Lesbian' text.
Click here for part five of the 'Lesbian' text.


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