FYI
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________________________________
From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 1:47 PM
To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org <library-media(a)lists.uen.org>
Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Fw: New title to be removed from Utah public schools
Dear Colleagues,
Please excuse any cross postings. I wanted to make sure you receive this information below.
Over the summer break we had two additional titles that met the threshold tto be removed statewide. I didn't want to bother you during summer break. 🌄
Lucky, by Alice Sebold
Different Seasons, by Stephen King
Push, by Sapphire
I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions.
Warmly,
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Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…>
LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.
________________________________
From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 1:17 PM
Subject: New title to be removed from Utah public schools
Dear LEA-appointed representatives for reporting sensitive materials,
We appreciate all your efforts in the implementation of §53G-10-103 and Board Rule R277-628. As required, this email serves as communication by USBE to all LEAs that the following title has met the statewide threshold and should be removed from student access in all Utah public schools.
Push, by Sapphire
The entire list of titles to be removed from Utah public schools, along with additional resources, can be found on the USBE library media webpage under the "Sensitive Materials" tab. It will be updated regularly as any additional titles meet the statewide threshold.
Please work with district leadership and all appropriate personnel to communicate this information to all educators and staff who this may affect.
I encourage you to reach out any time if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
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[cid:48b25e4f-0a41-4552-9891-a244b8b76afd]<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…>
Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…>
LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.
See below on information about Utah Battle of the Books.
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________________________________
From: Davina Sauthoff via K-12-library-media <library-media(a)lists.uen.org>
Sent: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 2:14 PM
To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org <library-media(a)lists.uen.org>
Subject: [Utah K-12 Library Media] Utah's Statewide Battle of the Books (with LINK 😊)
Hello Librarians,
Utah Battle of the Books (UBOB) statewide competition is coming this spring, and we're excited to see students across the state discover great books and join the competition!
This is a friendly reminder that if your school/district is planning on participating in the statewide competition and would like to request supplemental funding to help purchase official UBOB book sets for your teams, please be sure to complete the UBOB Interest and Funding Request form<https://forms.gle/Wtba2b8Vr1cLZN5Z6>.
The deadline to submit funding requests is September 4, 2026.
We encourage interested schools to submit the form before the deadline so requests can be reviewed and processed in a timely manner.
More information about Utah Battle of the Books, including resources and program details, can be found on our website<https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia/battleofthebooks>.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.
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Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…>
LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.
________________________________
From: Davina Sauthoff <Davina.Sauthoff(a)schools.utah.gov>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 8:05 AM
To: library-media(a)lists.uen.org <library-media(a)lists.uen.org>
Subject: Announcing Utah's Statewide Battle of the Books
Dear Schools,
We are excited to announce Utah’s Battle of the Books (UBOB) - an annual reading competition for students in grades K-12 across the state. UBOB encourages students to read great books and provides an opportunity to have fun while working with a team and competing with peers. Students will read books from a carefully selected list of titles and then participate with their team in a "direct question" format competition.
The list of books assigned to each grade level is currently posted on the USBE website<https://www.schools.utah.gov/curr/librarymedia> under the Battle of the Books tab! We encourage you to start advertising these books now, so students can have a jump start on reading over the summer. Please feel free to download these posters<https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1A3i5JpgtWaFoKOYBZc8X7I4fpQzxAz-b?us…> for use in your schools.
At the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, please start recruiting students to form teams of 3-5 students. Remember, students do not have to read all the books in order to participate. Battles at the school level will begin in February/March 2027, and some teams will be selected to continue to Regional and State Battles.
Join Our Informational Meeting
We are hosting an upcoming informational session to discuss the organizational structure, the book selection process, and the 2026-27 timeline. This is the perfect opportunity to see how UBOB can enhance current or future literacy initiatives within your district or charter.
*
Date: May 11, 2026
*
Time: 4:00 pm
*
Location/Link:
Join: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/236011758856672?p=2fk508hKwLS30meMMP
Meeting ID: 236 011 758 856 672
Passcode: SS9Gr33D
To set you and the students up for success, a General Handbook has been created and will be shared at the informational meeting, that includes the rules, responsibilities, and forms you will need.
These state-wide initiatives would not be possible without your dedication and support. Please do not hesitate to contact the UBOB State Committee @ubob@schools.utah.gov<mailto:ubob@schools.utah.gov> if you have any questions.
We look forward to partnering with you to celebrate literacy across Utah.
Thank you and happy reading!
[cid:e0386999-89b9-4713-9e51-68e96b57e3e5]
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Book time to meet with me<https://outlook.office.com/bookwithme/user/c9b4eddcdf24487d978ef6960a4bc233…>
LEAs have the duty to select instructional materials that best correlate to the core standards for Utah public schools and graduation requirements. (UCA 53G-4-402(1(a)). Posting of resources by USBE staff curriculum content specialists does not imply the resources have received official endorsement of the State Board. Educators are responsible to ensure use of these materials complies with LEA policies and directives.
