NORWOOD, Colo. -- The Norwood school district has banned Rudolfo Anaya's acclaimed book "Bless Me, Ultima," saying it is too profane for the 96 students of Norwood High.

The book is on First Lady Laura's Bush's "Top 10" recommended reading list for students.

Superintendent Bob Conder said some parents were offended by obscenities and paganistic practices in the 1972 coming-of-age novel about a 7-year-old boy's life with his staunchly Catholic mother and with Ultima, who uses herbs and magic to heal.

"It's less a matter of censorship than a matter of sponsorship. That's not the kind of garbage I want to sponsor at this high school," Conder said Wednesday.

Conder, who said he hasn't read the entire book, gave more than two dozen copies to a parent to destroy. The teacher who ordered the book has apologized and won't be disciplined, he said.

Conder has not banned other book during his six years as superintendent.

The Norwood Post has been inundated by angry messages about Conder's action, editor Margo Roberts said.

Norwood High junior Christian Skyler Kelley wrote a letter to the editor criticizing Conder.

"I never knew this book existed," Kelley said. "Now I feel it is my obligation to read it and see what our superintendent found so dangerous that it must be destroyed."

Anaya, widely considered the founder of modern Chicano literature and a professor emeritus of English at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, said he wasn't surprised parents and educators who haven't read the book would be frightened by its language.

"My suggestion is: Read the book. The language is not gratuitous. It fits with the scenes," he said. "I have hundreds of letters from students from all over the country who have been moved by this book. I would love to go to Norwood with my box full of letters."