The decision to reclassify a children’s book about Native American history in a Texas library has sparked outrage among readers, activists, and library organizations across the country.

In September, a citizen committee in Montgomery County, Texas, chose to move “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story” by Linda Coombs from the children’s non-fiction section to the children’s fiction section of the Montgomery County Memorial Library. After weeks of public outcry, including an open letter endorsed by 13 organizations, the Montgomery County Commission reversed this decision on Tuesday, returning the book to its original non-fiction designation.

Teresa Kenney, the owner of Village Books in Montgomery County, expressed her joy over the commissioners’ decision.

“The choice to return it to non-fiction is correct; it was the only option available,” Kenney told YSL News on Thursday.

Aside from the book’s reclassification, the county commission initiated the formation of a committee to revise the policy that established the citizen review committee, while also placing a hold on all committee actions made since October 1. This committee, created in March, is composed of five residents from Montgomery County tasked with overseeing materials in the Montgomery County Memorial Library.

According to community members’ requests, the committee can relocate material to a “more restrictive portion of the library” or eliminate material from circulation altogether as per the policy guidelines. However, the policy does not specifically allow them to change a book’s classification.

What is ‘Colonization and the Wampanoag Story’ About?

Published in 2023, “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story” presents the history of colonization in the New World from the viewpoint of the Indigenous Nations of New England, as described by its publisher, Penguin Random House. The book is aimed at children aged 10 and older.

Written by Linda Coombs, an author and historian from the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah, she has authored multiple books for the Boston Children’s Museum’s Native American Program and has spent three decades in the Wampanoag Indigenous Program, which included 15 years as the associate director. Coombs currently engages in museum consulting and cultural presentations.

Kelly Delaney, a senior editor at Crown Books for Young Readers and editor of “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story,” expressed relief over the reversal of the decision made on Tuesday.

“The book is part of the series ‘Race to the Truth’, which shares the authentic history of America from non-white, non-European viewpoints. This perspective may be unfamiliar and uncomfortable for many readers, which underlines its importance,” Delaney commented to YSL News. “As publishers, we pledge to elevate historically marginalized voices and stories. We will always support our authors in sharing their narratives and advocate for the public’s right to access them.”

Why Did the Citizen Committee Attempt to Reclassify the Book?

Since the Montgomery County Citizens Review Committee is required to hold its meetings privately, the reasoning behind its decisions remains unclear. However, the titles that the committee reviews are public information.

Montgomery County Commissioner James Noack, who oversees the precinct where the library is situated, stated to YSL News that he is uncertain why County Judge Mark Keough, who created this policy, opted for a private meeting structure. Attempts to reach Keough’s office for comments were unsuccessful.

In early October, Kenney submitted a public information request to find out which books had been brought up for reconsideration since March. This request revealed the committee’s intent to reclassify “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story.”

Noack revealed that the committee had received a reconsideration request on September 10 and convened to evaluate the book on October 3. According to Kenney, the information she obtained indicated that the library was directed to transfer the book to the children’s fiction section by October 10.

State and National Organizations Join the Public Outcry

Given that the committee’s final choices are not communicated directly to the public, Kenney felt compelled to bring attention to its decision. Initially, she reached out to Penguin Random House and the Texas Freedom to Read Project, an organization dedicated to The movement to gather community support against censorship and book bans in Texas has gained momentum.

Kenney remarked, “It really took on a life of its own.”

On October 16, 13 different organizations sent a public letter to the Montgomery County Citizens Review Committee, urging them to overturn their decision regarding “Colonization and the Wampanoag Story.”

The letter highlighted, “‘Colonization and the Wampanoag Story’ presents a well-researched, factual view from the Indigenous tribes of New England concerning the effects of European colonization. Placing it in the fiction section implies a lack of trust in materials that convey the truth of American history. This action undermines the legitimacy of Coomb’s insights as a member of the Wampanoag Tribe, as well as the viewpoints of Indigenous educators who advocate for its inclusion.”

Organizations that signed the letter include American Indians in Children’s Literature, the American Indian Library Association, Authors Against Book Bans, Authors Guild, Every Library, FReadom Fighters, the National Coalition Against Censorship, PEN America, Penguin Random House, the Texas Freedom to Read Project, the Texas Library Association, Village Books, and We Need Diverse Books.

Laney Hawes, a co-founder of the Texas Freedom to Read Project, expressed her joy over the commission’s recent decision but voiced concerns about future implications.

Speaking to YSL News on Thursday, Hawes stated, “It’s unconstitutional for a government committee to randomly determine what constitutes fiction and nonfiction. This is fundamentally wrong. We find it very alarming for what lies ahead; if this government-appointed committee is to label these narratives and viewpoints as fiction, what does that imply for all other perspectives that might challenge the prevailing political narrative?”

What’s next?

The Montgomery County Commission approved a pause on the citizen committee until the existing policy is evaluated.

YSL News attempted to reach the Montgomery County Memorial Library for comments, but there was no response.