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Lane Smiths Use of the Word 'Jackass' Stirs Controversy Page 2 of 3 <br />And Smith's decision to name the character <br />Jackass— besides the obvious humor —was <br />steeped in some very old tales he'd been <br />reading as he crafted his take on books in the <br />digital age. <br />"I was looking at Aesop fables [Ike The Jackass <br />and the Mule, and An Ass, An Ape and a Mole so <br />I Figured rather than give the animals names like <br />Reginald or Harry I'd call them by their animal <br />names, a Monkey, a Jackass and a Mouse," he <br />says. "Plus jackass is funny." <br />On that point, nearly all readers can agree. And <br />as For the using the specific word, some <br />educators believe its the perfect opportunity to stretch young readers' <br />understanding of how powerful —and fun —words can truly be. <br />Lane Smith's latest <br />book stirs controversy. <br />"Younger children will be astounded at the use of Jackass and ripe for a lesson <br />on use of language, multiple meanings of words, and capital letters For names," <br />says Fiehn. At about third grade, the boys will enjoy reading it because it is a <br />little bit naughty and nothing gets them going more than being a bit naughty — <br />again time for a lesson about words." <br />This article originally appeared In the newsletter Extra Helping. Go here to <br />subscribe. <br />Share JRSS [ Subscription 1 Reprint /License 1 Print 1 Email <br />Reader Comments (41) <br />The comparison between the use of jackass In this book and the use of the <br />word scrotum in The Higher Power of Lucky is completely, utterly off- base. <br />Scrotum is not a profane term - -it is a body part. Jackass, however, is indeed a <br />curse word - -even if its original meaning is "donkey." <br />Posted by Kristin on October 21, 2010 11:16:OOAM <br />Sorry, but 1 disagree with the other comment. Scrotum is just as awful as <br />jackass, Both of those profanities should be excised From all written material <br />for children. We must save the children. Only after they reach age 18 can they <br />be exposed to such fifth. The children must be saved from filth. <br />Posted by Emily on October 21, 2010 01:21;OTPM <br />I once had a kid tell me he found a bad word in a hook of names: Dick 1 guess <br />all books containing characters named Dick should be removed. In fact, I <br />suppose that this remark includes profanity. <br />Posted by Kathy Noble on October 21, 2010 01:28:24PM <br />I think it's a lovely teachable moment about the English language but I have <br />enough problems with parents already. 1'11 avoid it because 1 don't need the <br />aggravation. 191 leave that to the public library. <br />Posted by Nancy on October 21, 2010 01:47:50PM <br />Previous 1 Next <br />Comments that include profanity, personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as <br />"spamming ", "trolling ", or any other inappropriate material will be removed from the site. <br />We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully <br />Recent Activity <br />Login <br />You need to be logged into Facebook to see <br />your blends' recent activtty. <br />!low Low Can You Go ?: What to du when <br />young students want lo read The Hunger <br />Games' <br />18 people recommend this. <br />Full -Time school Librarians Linked to <br />Higher Student Reading Scores <br />367 people recommend this, <br />First, Last; In the Middle? The Penis gone <br />- dimensional rankings 1 Editorial <br />8 people recommend this. <br />WY Fifth Grader Donates $10,000 Prize to <br />School Library <br />1,450 people recommend this, <br />What Teens Are Really Reading: A <br />librarian's informal survey uncovers the <br />hottest YA Fiction <br />82 people recommend this. <br />rvcctook social plugin <br />http : / /www.schoollibratyjournal. coal/ slj/ newslettersncwsletterbucketextrahelping !387373- 443 /lane smiths use... 7/10/2012 <br />