A school presentation at Wellington Elementary is raising eyebrows among parents, and calling into question a book handed out to a group of fourth graders.
ComForCare Home Care of Palm Beach Gardens, a provider of private in-home care services to people of all ages, was invited to speak to a group of fourth and fifth graders on Tuesday about bridging the gap between the students and caring for their grandparents.
Melissa Morante with ComForCare in Palm Beach Gardens was named an 'Everyday Hero" by the school's PTO and handed the book, “Oh My God, I’m Getting Older and So Is My Mom,” to the kids after her presentation.
The author of the book, Scott Greenberg, was not at the presentation, but his daughters were. Greenberg says the students were instructed to give the book to their parents once they got home.
“This was all about helping kids understand what goes into caring for seniors,” Greenberg said. “There is nothing in that book that’s inappropriate, that book is an award-winning book.”
The book sparked a firestorm on social media with several parents calling the book not age-appropriate. Some of the chapters include, “We Take Too Many Damn Drugs,” “What The Hell is ADL,” and “Going Out With a Bang: Sex After 60.”
“This is completely inappropriate to send home with children or even bring up in elementary school or even high school,” said Lauren Tharp, a mother of four waiting for her child outside Wellington Elementary.
The book was handed out to 23 students, and the Palm Beach County School District said the speakers did not follow the proper protocol. The district said the book was not reviewed or approved by the district. Officials also added the teacher did not realize until after the fact what the book was about. Since then, the teacher and principal have called every parent.
Greenberg told WPTV nothing discussed during the presentation was inappropriate, and he apologized if the book upset parents. Greenberg said he stands by his book and encourages parents to read it.
One parent, who asked not to be named, posted about the book on Facebook and many parents have weighed in with their opinions, many saying the book was inappropriate for elementary aged children.
“This is for like the library or senior center, it’s definitely not for an elementary school,” Tharp said.
“I would like to look at it first and give my okay for my kids to read it,” said Angie Rinehart, another parent at the school.
“We’re truly sorry if those titles were offensive, and I think taken out of context they certainly could be,” said Melissa Morante, with ComForCare.
