Western New York Parent Pushes for Removal of 27 Books Over Concerns About Sexual Content

A mother in the Kenmore-Tonawanda School District is urging the removal of 27 titles from high school libraries citing concerns about sexually explicit material she deems inappropriate for students.

Sara Carozzolo, whose daughter is expected to start at Kenmore West High School next year, initiated the challenge in November after discovering disturbing content in several library books. She reviewed the school’s online catalog and compared it with ratings from a conservative book review website, ultimately flagging excerpts she believed were graphic or harmful. Among the material she cited were scenes from All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson and The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky.

Carozzolo compiled her findings and emailed a group of school administrators. Her objections centered on what she described as explicit portrayals of sexual acts including references to rape and incest. She later submitted formal challenges to 27 books found in the libraries at Kenmore West and Kenmore East high schools.

While this marks the first significant book challenge in recent district history, similar controversies have emerged across New York State and the country. Many are linked to broader national debates about parental rights, school oversight, and the inclusion of books featuring themes of race, sexuality, and identity.

Ken-Ton officials responded by forming a review committee to assess how the district handles such objections. The group, which included parents, students, and educators, focused not on the individual books in question but on creating a more transparent process for future concerns.

Going forward, the district plans to implement a formal system allowing parents to challenge library books. The process will be led by school librarians and educators who will read each contested book in its entirety and evaluate whether it meets established educational criteria. Based on their findings, a title could be removed or retained with decisions considered final at the school level.

Carozzolo said she was motivated to act out of concern for what her children might encounter without her knowledge. She emphasized the difficulty of monitoring every book her child checks out and expressed frustration that some content could be accessed without more thorough oversight.

Her initial email sparked a deeper review by Ken-Ton officials who now plan to clarify parental opt-out options and establish a consistent procedure for reviewing library materials.

Carozzolo submitted detailed reports for each book including excerpts and data from BookLooks, which assigns content ratings to books. Some of the challenged works deal with mature topics such as sexual abuse, underage drinking, suicide, and racism.

Supporters of keeping the books, however, argue these books reflect real-life experiences and promote empathy and understanding. Advocates further argue that students benefit from access to literature that both mirrors their own lives and exposes them to different perspectives.

Critics, like Carozzolo and others, maintain that some depictions cross a line and are unsuitable for a school setting.

The district’s review panel has begun evaluating the 27 titles and Carozzolo says she’s waiting for their decisions.

Upstate New York Parent Pushes for Removal of 27 Books Over Concerns About Sexual Content