I agree that parents should be notified of the literature our children are asked to read.  We need to have the information in advance so that we aware of the issues that are being presented to them.  I know what math forumlas or physics principles are being taught throughout the year in their classes.  When my children sign up for an English or Language Arts class to learn parts of speech, genre, reading tactics, reading comprehension, vocabulary, writing techniques, etc. they are exposed to a variety of topics chosen to teach these tactics.  Therefore, what literature (books) is being used to teach should be provided in a list to the parents and the students in advance.

I also would hope that there would be flexibility in the English curriculum so if what I or my child perceives to be an offensive book is presented, that another book which could teach the same language arts principles could be chosen instead.