Heavy subject: textbooks.

• Author: Dillon, Sam
• Position: Education

Schoolbooks have grown so heavy--often five pounds or more--that some states are telling publishers to lighten up and spare the child. In California, textbook weight limits will be set by next year; New Jersey and Massachusetts are considering similar measures.

Textbooks supersized under the education reform movement, as officials imposed thousands of new curriculum requirements. Publishers responded by enlarging pages and jamming in more photos and graphics. Some childrens' backpacks are now said to weigh more than 40 pounds.

Many schools, meanwhile, sought to eliminate hiding places for weapons and...