Textbooks have come under a barrage of criticism ranging from overall textbook quality to changing costs. Litigation in the federal courts has challenged textbook content. New York State school boards need to examine the issues in the textbook problem. This paper explains New York State's textbook selection process, which is based on local control; compares it with other states; and shows why New York State should retain local choice. Factors that influence publishers are explored, as are reasons for including values and character education in textbooks. It is maintained that local boards should decide how to incorporate character education into their curricula. The importance of developing selection policies is emphasized, and suggestions for designing such policies are offered. Finally, the paper addresses the role of parents in the process, offering advice on how to involve them. The appendixes include a checklist of criteria, a sample textbook selection and adoption policy, and a simple policy for dealing with public complaints about curricula or instructional material. (31 references) (SI)