Parents object to book read by 7th graders

CHICAGO, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Some parents at Chicago's John H. Kinzie Elementary School are demanding that school officials remove a controversial book from the required reading list.

The parents complain that Robert Cormier's "The Chocolate War," contains references to sex and violence that are inappropriate for 7th graders, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

Kinzie Principal Sean Egan told a crowd of about 50 parents in the school's cafeteria that public school administrators have been informed of their concerns, but officials still believe the book to be appropriate for the grade level.

"I don't tell you how to run your family," Egan said. "I support my teachers."

The principal earlier sent a letter to parents defending the choice of the book as required reading.

"This book was selected for the very important, complex themes it covers, including conformity and the ethical implications of choices we make," Egan wrote. "A few parents have objected to the contents of the book, which addresses mature themes and contains some swearing. Decisions regarding the content of a school's curriculum, however, lie with its educators and administrators."