Last modified: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 2:18 AM EDT 'Tango' ruffles feathers, but not here BY TARA VOCINO FOR THE SUN CHRONICLE The American Library Association recently released its Top Ten list of the Most Frequently Challenged Books of 2008, and for the third consecutive year "And Tango Makes Three" came out on top. Written by Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, the children's picture book tells the tale of two male penguins caring for an orphaned egg. It's been challenged as being "anti-family," "unsuited to its age group," and for promoting homosexuality, among other things. Many libraries across the country have moved the book to an adult or alternative section, or asked users to disregard it altogether. But local librarians who returned calls for this story said they haven't had to take any such steps. In fact, many said the book is in much demand. Andrea Ingala, youth librarian at the Norfolk Public Library, said she hasn't heard any complaints about "Tango" or any other book since she started last September. Thus, the library wouldn't move it to another section. 'Different type of family' Since their one copy of "And Tango Makes Three" arrived at the library in October 2005, it has been checked out 26 times, she said. "It's definitely a different type of family," Ingala said of the book, "but not anti-family." "If any patron finds this, or any other book objectionable, they are encouraged to bypass that book and take out any other materials he or she chooses," Ingala said. In addition, the Norfolk library has a policy where the patron can fill out a Reevaluation Request Form that will be reviewed by the director, staff and board of trustees. Margi Rossetti, children's librarian at the Boyden Library in Foxboro, said she hasn't seen "Tango" challenged either. "We have owned 'And Tango Makes Three' since February 2006. There has never been an issue called to our attention about this book," she said. In fact, their Web site states that all copies are currently checked out. Rossetti said that the responsibility for what a child checks out of the library rests with the parents, because families have different notions of what is appropriate for their children to read. Like Norfolk Library, Boyden has a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material form available, which asks about reader's objection to the work and what the library should do about it. Seekonk and Attleboro public libraries allow patrons to download "Tango" electronically through the SAILS library network. On the Web site, "Tango" is labeled the most banned children's book of the year. Seekonk also has it available in print, but, like Boyden, all copies were out when checked recently. Eunice Franklin, children's librarian at Richards Memorial Library in North Attleboro, said she didn't order "Tango" simply because she already has several penguin books in the children's section. "It isn't a deliberate thing because the subject is challenged," she said. She discovered there are 17 copies in the SAILS network, which range from Bridgewater to Fall River. Kate Tigue, supervisor of Children's Services at the Taunton Public Library, said book challenges are uncommon in both the children and adult sections. "We do own 'And Tango Makes Three' and it does circulate. None of our patrons have challenged this title or have made any comment about it." As for the rest of the ALA most-challenged list, four books are new: "Bless Me, Ultima," by Rudolfo Anaya; "Uncle Bobby's Wedding," by Sarah S. Brannen; "The Kite Runner," by Khaled Hosseini; and "Flashcards of My Life," by Charise Mericle Harper. Alvin Schwartz's "Scary Stories" series returns after being dropped from the list in 2007. For more information visit www.ala.org/bbooks. Tara Vocino is a student at Wheaton College in Norton, and she can be reached at vocino_tara@wheatonma.edu.