In the 1990s, I worked at a couple of elementary schools. I was a special needs aide for both physically and mentally challenged students. I was also a crossing guard, cafeteria and recess monitor, classroom and teacher’s aide, front office worker — and my favorite job of all — I worked in the school library! When I was learning the ropes, students would come in and ask where the Dr. Seuss books were. Not being able to find any, I asked the librarian the next time she was in. She said she refused to stock any because Seuss was too political. Now, I liked her a lot in every other way, but that quite irritated me and made me very sad. It still does to this day.
“…If you keep
your eyes open enough,
oh, the stuff you will learn!
The most wonderful stuff!…
There are
so many things
you can learn about.
BUT… you’ll miss
the best things
if you keep your eyes shut…”
Dr. Seuss, I Can Read with My Eyes Shut!, 1978