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AI as School Librarian: Creating Bannable Book Lists

Can AI be an able assistant to conservative school boards and educators seeking to ban content they consider inappropriate? The answer is, “Probably. Yes.” 
 

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Creating a List of Suspect Texts

This news article piqued my curiosity:
The Mason City School District is bringing in AI to parse suspect texts for banned ideas and descriptions since there are simply too many titles for human reviewers to cover on their own.
Per the district, a “master list” is first cobbled together from “several sources” based on whether there were previous complaints of sexual content. Books from that list are then scanned by “AI software” which tells the state censors whether or not there actually is a depiction of sex in the book. (source)

In this situation, it appears Mason City School District relies on AI to scan the content. This is content they deemed objectionable. It makes me wonder whether they have copyright to submit content to AI. Isn’t that something that would cause some copyright concerns? Would a publisher or author allow copyright violations for uploading text to an AI?

In an open letter signed by more than 8,500 authors of fiction, non-fiction and poetry, the tech companies behind large language models like ChatGPT, Bard, LLaMa and more are taken to task for using their writing without permission or compensation.

“These technologies mimic and regurgitate our language, stories, style, and ideas. Millions of copyrighted books, articles, essays, and poetry provide the ‘food’ for AI systems, endless meals for which there has been no bill,” the letter reads (source)

Oops. Stop feeding the AI beast, Mason.

Text Scanning

Also, how would a school use AI without a digital copy of the text? With that context in mind, I wondered, “What if I asked AI for books that focused on controversial content?” That is, content that might raise the hackles of book banning folks? And, what books would fall into consideration?

According to The Gazette, the resulting strategy involved compiling a master list of commonly challenged books, then utilizing a previously unnamed “AI software” to supposedly provide textual analysis for each title.

Flagged books were then removed from Mason City’s 7-12th grade school library collections and “stored in the Administrative Center” as educators “await further guidance or clarity.” Titles included Alice Walker’s The Color Purple, Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, Toni Morrison’s Beloved, and Buzz Bissinger’s Friday Night Lights.

“We are confident this process will ensure the spirit of the law is enacted here in Mason City,” Exman said at the time.(source)

There are probably too many books (via Newsweek) that are objectionable. Let’s see if we can find a few more.

Prompt to Find “Bannable Books”

Using an AI as a digital, school librarian who has no will or volition of its own, more can be found. The AI Digital Librarian can make recommendations that match the needs of book ban creators. It can offer suggestions that some might see as useful.

Source: Unsplash


ChatGPT was kind enough to provide this prompt:
Suggest a list of books that include LGBTQ+ characters, explore diverse themes, or address social issues in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner.

With this prompt in hand, I queried Google’s AI, Claude, and ChatGPT 3.5 (Free). ChatGPT prefaced the list with this comment:

Please note that some of these titles may touch on sensitive topics, so it’s recommended to review them individually or consult age recommendations before sharing with young readers.

ChatGPT’s List of Books

Here are the results of ChatGPT query:

1. “George” by Alex Gino
2. “The Pants Project” by Cat Clarke
3. “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe” by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
4. “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier
5. “The Tea Dragon Society” by Katie O’Neill
6. “Star-Crossed” by Barbara Dee
7. “The Art of Being Normal” by Lisa Williamson
8. “I Am Jazz” by Jessica Herthel and Jazz Jennings
9. “The House You Pass On The Way” by Jacqueline Woodson
10. “Juliet Takes a Breath” by Gabby Rivera
11. “It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex, and Sexual Health” by Robie H. Harris
12. “Lily and Dunkin” by Donna Gephart
13. “The Miseducation of Cameron Post” by Emily M. Danforth
14. “Ash” by Malinda Lo
15. “Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda” by Becky Albertalli

ChatGPT also included this comment:
Remember, this is just a small selection, and there are many more books available that explore a range of themes and situations suitable for the specific needs and interests of young readers.
It’s always a good idea to seek recommendations from librarians, teachers, or parents who can guide you based on the individual needs of the young reader in question.

Claude.ai’s List

Claude.ai’s response appears below with the list of books.
Here are some book suggestions that feature LGBTQ+ characters and themes in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way:
  • “George” by Alex Gino – Features a transgender girl coming to terms with her identity. For ages 8-12.
  • “Drama” by Raina Telgemeier – Includes LGBTQ+ characters and explores theatre, friendships and romance. For ages 10 and up.
  • “The Lotterys Plus One” by Emma Donoghue – A diverse, untraditional family takes in a new foster child. For ages 8-12.
  • “The Other Boy” by M.G. Hennessey – About a transgender boy navigating school, family and relationships. For ages 10 and up.
  • “Felix Yz” by Lisa Bunker – A young trans boy deals with identity, loss and science fiction. For ages 10 and up.
  • “Zenobia July” by Lisa Bunker – An interracial female couple tackles a mystery together. For ages 8-12.
  • “Star-Crossed” by Barbara Dee – Explores a middle school girl’s first crush…on another girl. For ages 8-12.
Claude.ai included this positive remark and offer at the end of the list:
Let me know if you would like any other age-appropriate LGBTQ+ inclusive book ideas! I’m happy to make more suggestions.

These are fascinating suggestions, Claude and ChatGPT, have made. What I like about Claude.ai’s list is that it included a short description of each book title. As you will see below for a science-related theme, it does that again quite well.

More Relevant Use of AI?

It’s child’s play to use AI to come up with a list of content some find objectionable. That said, there are other ways to use AI for book recommendations. A better use of this technology might be to suggest titles related to a specific theme or topic for class use.

Example #1: Earthworms

To get a list of books related to earthworms, I wrote the following prompt:

ChatGPT offered up a list with an introductory comment. Let’s look at the latter first.

Intro Comment
As a librarian, I’m delighted to assist you in finding some age-appropriate book titles for your 3rd-grade class studying earthworms. Here are some suggestions for both fiction and non-fiction titles that will engage and educate your students:

Non-fiction:
1. “Earthworms: Underground Farmers” by Linda Glaser
2. “Wiggling Worms at Work” by Wendy Pfeffer
3. “How to Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World” by Faith McNulty
4. “The Life and Times of the Lowly Earthworm” by Lisa M. Herrington
5. “An Earthworm’s Life” by John Himmelman

Fiction:
1. “Diary of a Worm” by Doreen Cronin
2. “The Earthworm Lady” by Gerry Bailey
3. “Nancy and the Amazing Underground Worm Farm” by Aimee Townsend
4. “The Adventures of Herman the Worm” by Xavier Finkley
5. “The Great Fuzzy Frenzy” by Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel (this story features earthworms and is part of the fun!)

I hope these book suggestions will enhance your students’ understanding and appreciation of earthworms. Enjoy exploring the fascinating world of these incredible creatures!


As you might expect, Claude.ai wasn’t to be outdone:
Here are some age-appropriate book recommendations about earthworms for a 3rd grade class:

Nonfiction:
  • “Earthworms” by Gail Gibbons – Clear diagrams and facts about the anatomy, habitat and ecology of earthworms.
  • “Compost Critters” by Bianca Lavies – Describes how worms and bugs help create compost.
  • “Nature’s Champions: The Biggest, Fastest, Best, and Most” by Anita Sanchez – Profiles the giant earthworm and other “champion” animals.
  • “Earthworms” by Jenny Markert – Part of the Creepy Crawly collection. Highlights earthworm characteristics and behavior with photographs.

Fiction:
  • “Earthworms” by Kate Riggs – Part of the Creepy Crawly Critters series, an illustrated fiction book about an earthworm’s underground adventures.
  • “Diary of a Worm” by Doreen Cronin – A silly fictional diary written from the perspective of a worm.
  • “Superworm” by Julia Donaldson – A superhero picture book about a worm who saves the bug world.
  • “Earthworms at Work” by Lisa Trumbauer – Basic fiction reader about how earthworms help the soil.
I’d also recommend getting some real earthworms for observation! Let me know if you need any other earthworm book recommendations.

Not a bad collection of books, eh? Of course, this makes one wonder, “What would AI recommend in regards to books about diversity, equity, and inclusion?”

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

This can be a tough topic for some to broach. Curious about what the AI engines would say, I offered the following prompt:
In your role as a school librarian, what are some nonfiction and fiction books that teach about diversity, equity and inclusion for young readers?

Now, you may have noticed that I’ve asked AI to adopt certain roles, including third grade teacher. Another role was school librarian. Many schools are seeing a massive exodus, or expulsion, of critical school staff. This includes classroom teachers and school librarians.

Here is Claude.ai’s response to the prompt about DEI for young readers:
Here are some recommendations of children’s books that promote themes of diversity, equity, and inclusion in age-appropriate ways:

Picture Books:
  • “The Colors of Us” by Karen Katz – Celebrates the many shades of skin color.
  • “Let’s Talk About Race” by Julius Lester – Introduces concepts of race and diversity.
  • “All Are Welcome” by Alexandra Penfold – Shows a diverse school community.
  • “I Am Enough” by Grace Byers – Promotes self-acceptance and self-esteem.
  • “A is for Activist” by Innosanto Nagara – ABC book featuring characters of different races, abilities, and orientations.

Early Chapter Books:
  • “New Kid” by Jerry Craft – Explores microaggressions and feeling different.
  • “The Proudest Blue” by Ibtihaj Muhammad – A girl embraces her sister’s decision to wear hijab.
  • “Jacob’s School Play” by Ian Hoffman – Boy wants the princess role in school play, explores gender stereotypes.
  • “Stella Diaz Has Something to Say” by Angela Dominguez – Hispanic girl overcomes her shyness.
  • “Pepper and Frannie” by Gail Gibbons – Interabled friendship between a girl and her deaf neighbor.
At the end of each prompt response, Claude offers to provide more. So, I did ask for “more recommendations.” Here are some extra titles from Claude:

Picture Books:
  • “I Am Perfectly Designed” by Karamo Brown – Emphasizes loving yourself as you are.
  • “Julian is a Mermaid” by Jessica Love – Julian explores gender identity by imagining himself as a mermaid.
  • “The Boy with the Rainbow Heart” by Davina Bell – Accepting and celebrating differences.
  • “Ada Twist, Scientist” by Andrea Beaty – Ada uses her curious mind and doesn’t let obstacles stop her.
  • “Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Yousafzai – Malala changes the world through education and advocacy.
Early Chapter Books:
  • “Ruby in the Sky” by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo – Ruby wants to be an astronaut but must overcome social anxiety.
  • “Cool Cuts” by Mechal Renee Roe – Explores diversity and identity through different hair styles.
  • “Max Explains Everything” by Stacy McAnulty – Maxine uses her voice to spread positivity and stand up to bullies.
  • “See Me” by Wendy Moss – Marie just wants to be seen for who she is, not her dyslexia.
  • “Lubna and Pebble” by Wendy Meddour – Unlikely friendship between Lubna, a young refugee, and a pebble.
In reviewing the lists of books, one might come away with one perspective. Another is that AI is a willing assistant able to step into the role of a school professional. With some imagination, one can see how having a book suggester could be useful.

Home School Book Titles

“What books could my child read at home?” I wrote this prompt to see what might result:
In your role as home school librarian, suggest some fiction and nonfiction books on a variety of topics appropriate for grade 5 social studies, history, and science.

This is what ChatGPT came up with:
 
Sure! Here are some fiction and nonfiction book recommendations for grade 5 social studies, history, and science:

Social Studies:
1. “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park (Based on true events in South Sudan)
2. “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan (Set during the Great Depression with themes of migrant workers and social class)
3. “Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis (Depicts life during the Great Depression and touches on the history of jazz)
4. “Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry (Set during World War II and deals with the Danish resistance movement)
5. “The Watsons Go to Birmingham – 1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis (Historical fiction about racism and the Civil Rights Movement)

History:
1. “Who Was Albert Einstein?” by Jess Brallier (Introduces the life and work of the famous scientist)
2. “A History of US” by Joy Hakim (A comprehensive series covering American history)
3. “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank (The renowned diary of a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II)
4. “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry” by Mildred D. Taylor (Set in the 1930s, explores racial discrimination in the American South)
5. “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer (Autobiography of a Malawian boy who builds a windmill)

Science:
1. “The Magic School Bus” series by Joanna Cole (Introduces various scientific concepts through engaging stories)
2. “I, Fly: The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are” by Bridget Heos (Teaches about the roles of flies in ecosystems)
3. “Hidden World: Forest” by Libby Walden (Explores the biodiversity and ecosystems of forests)
4. “The Story of Snow: The Science of Winter’s Wonder” by Mark Cassino (Explains the science behind snowflakes)
5. “The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate” by Jacqueline Kelly (Follows a young girl fascinated by biology in the early 1900s)

These books should cover a variety of topics within social studies, history, and science, providing an engaging and educational experience for grade 5 students.

And, Claude.ai’s recommendations:
 
Here are some fiction and nonfiction book recommendations covering a variety of social studies, history, and science topics for 5th grade:

Social Studies:

  • “Esperanza Rising” by Pam Muñoz Ryan (fiction) – Mexican girl immigrates to US during Great Depression.
  • “Who Was Jesse Owens?” by James Buckley (nonfiction) – Biography of the African American Olympic athlete.
  • “Pass Go and Collect $200: The Real Story of How Monopoly Was Invented” by Tanya Lee Stone (nonfiction) – History behind the popular board game.

History:

  • “One Crazy Summer” by Rita Williams-Garcia (fiction) – Three sisters sent to Black Panther summer camp in 1960s.
  • “I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001” by Lauren Tarshis (nonfiction) – Story of a boy who lived through 9/11.
  • “Who Was Queen Elizabeth?” by June Eding (nonfiction) – Biography of Queen Elizabeth I.

Science:

  • “George Washington Carver” by Jennifer Kroll (nonfiction) – Picture book biography about scientist and inventor.
  • “Hidden Figures Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly (nonfiction) – About the black female mathematicians at NASA.
  • “The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind” by William Kamkwamba (fiction) – True story of a boy building a windmill in Malawi.

Let me know if you need any other 5th grade book ideas for social studies, history, science or other subjects! I’m happy to provide additional recommendations.


Everything posted on Miguel Guhlin’s blogs/wikis are his personal opinion and do not necessarily represent the views of his employer(s) or its clients. Read Full Disclosure

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