In March of 2021 many Grand Haven Area Public School children ages 5-9 were encouraged to read the electronic book provided to them by their teachers, Call Me Max by Kyle Lukoff which features a transgender main character. Some people were extremely upset, some people doubled down on their position that this type of material is appropriate for children, and the remaining people, caught in the middle, tried to inform parents while following directions of district leadership. This one incident resulted in approximately 500 pages of email documentation from interested parties.
[Here is a video of a child reading the book Call Me Max -] +++ The video referenced was made private so a different video showing the reading of the book is included below.
This is What Happened
Kara Endsley a reading specialist at Griffin Elementary put together a book list for March This is Reading Month for March 2021.
GHAPS Director of Instructional Services Mary Jane Evink forwarded the list to all Young 5’s – 4th Grade teachers in the district recommending they use the list for March This is Reading Month.
There were 5 weeks of book lists with approximately six books per week. The books were electronic.
Many children attended virtual classrooms during March 2021, but some were meeting face-to-face.
The books were selected because they featured characters with diverse characteristics.
The book Call Me Max by Kyle Lukoff features a transgender main character and was in the week 1 list.
Some teachers provided the books directly to students without reviewing the material.
Some teachers removed the book Call Me Max from their book list before forwarding the lists to students.
Some teachers sent “heads-up” emails to parents notifying them that their children had access to a book featuring a transgender character.
Some teachers read and discussed the book Call Me Max with their students.
Numerous parents immediately made phone calls and sent emails questioning why this book was given to their children.
These emails were primarily received by teachers who forwarded them to their principals asking for guidance.
The principles sought guidance from the Superintendent at the time Andy Ingall, and Mary Jane Evink, the Director of Instructional Services.
At least two of the principals created form letters that could be sent to any parent who asked questions.
Some parents asked additional questions which led to meetings with their teachers, principals and Mary Jane Evink.
Mary Jane Evink worked behind the scenes emailing and holding meetings with key supporters of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives.
Five months later in August 2021 the book Call Me Max and two sequels to the book were ordered for all of the GHAPS elementary school libraries. The order was placed by Tom Stream and approved by Mary Jane Evink.
A few weeks later Mary Jane Evink emailed Tom Stream the elementary librarian and requested the Call Me Max series be reserved for Special Use Only.
Today GHAPS is continuing to expose our children to one point of view of various controversial topics.