Free Kristy Power! by Ann M. Martin Page A

place behind the podium. "I want to say, first of "all," she began, "that we are not here to destroy anyone's name or create any sort of community rift. We simply cafe about our children's moral education. It is up to us, their parents and teachers, to bring them up to be decent, respectful adults. Children are not born with values; they learn them. And some of the books on this list," she waved a piece of paper in the air, "do nothing but subvert the values we hold most dear." A cheer rose from one section of the auditorium.
    Mrs. Dow went on to point out page numbers that, she said, contained instances of "excessive violence, obscenity, negative role models, and immorality'' in some of the books on Ted's list. Books like The Catcher in the Rye and Homecoming.
    I could hardly believe my ears. I watched Ted closely as Mrs. Dow was speaking and saw him wince as she tore into the books on his list.
    When she finished, there was a huge burst of applause - and a scattering of boos. I glanced at my mom. I knew she wouldn't boo, because she would consider that rude. But I couldn't help agreeing with the people who were letting Mrs. Dow know how they felt. How could anyone sit still and let her talk that way about great books?
    "I'll now call on those who have come to support Mr. Morley," said Mr. Taylor after the noise had died down. He glanced at a paper in his hand. "Mrs. Rioko Kishi?" I saw Claudia's mom rise and walk toward the stage, and I reached over to squeeze Claud's hand. "I bet she'll be great," I whispered.
    She was.
    Mrs. Kishi is the head librarian at the Stoneybrook Public Library. She must have had a lot of experience with this issue, because she came prepared. She spoke simply but powerfully about the First Amendment and what it means. She mentioned court cases that have supported the right of the American people to free choice. And she read several quotes that made my spine tingle. I asked her about them later and wrote some of them down. "Freedom of thought and freedom of speech in our great institutions of learning are absolutely necessary ... the moment that either is restricted, liberty begins to wither and die...." That one was by someone named John Peter Altged. Another one, from Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, was, "Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us." (Right on, William O.!) The issue was bigger than I had ever imagined. I felt exhilarated to be part of the debate.
    Mrs. Kishi left the stage and took her seat amid more buzzing and shouting. Then Mr. Taylor was standing behind the podium again. "I understand that Mr. Morley's students would like to speak," he said.
    Gulp. My exhilaration vanished, to be replaced by panic. It was my turn to talk.
    Chapter 12.
    I knew I should stand up, but I couldn't make my legs work. I felt incredibly hot. The sweater I was wearing was making my neck itchy. And I couldn't seem to breathe easily.
    Jeremy nudged me. "Go ahead, Kristy," he whispered. "You can do it!" I met his eyes, and he smiled and nodded. No wonder Claudia and Stacey like him so much, I thought. Jeremy is a genuinely nice guy.
    Claudia patted my shoulder. "Just tell them what we think," she reminded me. "Nothing to it." I looked at her with raised eyebrows. "Nothing to it?" I asked. "Do you want to do it?" She shook her head vehemently. I had to laugh. That relaxed me enough to unparalyze my muscles, and I stood up. I began the long walk to the stage.
    I saw heads turn to look at me as I went by. My mom gave me a big thumbs-up, and Watson smiled and nodded encouragingly. I saw Stacey's mom sitting a few rows down, and Mary Anne's dad and stepmother. Most of my teachers were there, and lots of kids I knew from other classes.
    As I passed the rows where the protesters were sitting, I shivered a little.