A controversial novel challenged by the parent of a Roanoke County high school student will not be banned, but school officials have chosen to restrict access to it.

Three copies of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky, a coming-of-age novel written from the perspective of a teenager and containing sexually explicit scenes, will be returned to the shelves of the libraries at William Byrd and Hidden Valley high schools.

The decision, announced at the school board meeting Thursday evening, came after a review by a panel of three librarians. The panel concluded the novel should be available to juniors and seniors. Freshmen and sophomores, however, will need parental permission to check out the book.

"The Perks of Being a Wallflower" ranked sixth last year on the America Library Association's top 10 list of most frequently banned or challenged books. The school board has an established policy in place to handle challenges related to media material. The process includes removing the books from library collections while the review is under way.

John Davis raised a complaint to the principal of William Byrd High School last month after Davis' 16-year-old son brought the book home. An English teacher reportedly loaned her personal copy to a student who shared it with Davis' son. Davis said he became curious about the book's contents when he noticed his son engrossed in reading, which seemed unusual.

The novel contains several issues that resonate with teenagers: drugs, alcohol, tobacco, sex, vulgar language, abuse, abortion and rape. "That realism is one reason the book connects with the modern reader," according to the panel's report.

But the panel argues the value of the novel's deeper message outweighs the "graphic" content. The main character, Charlie, strives to find a place to fit in (albeit among the outcasts) and in the process he finds himself.

"The committee gave this concern careful consideration and we feel their recommendation is appropriate," said Superintendent Lorraine Lange.

Cave Spring District school board representative Fuzzy Minnix disagreed with the ruling to keep the book in the schools.

"There is a moral obligation I feel like I have to stand up for," he said. "There are certain parts of literature, in my mind, that don't support healthy, in good taste, moral, sound education to prepare our students to go out into the world."

Jerry Canada, who represents the Hollins District, said he read the book and then put his faith in letting the librarian panelists decide whether it should stay or go.

"If you really, really want to know what that book is about, I challenge you to read it cover-to-cover and see if it changes your mind," Canada said.

The panelists full report is available online at rcs.k12.va.us.