Any student should be mature enough to read a book that has the word in it, I'm sure the author had a valid point in using the word in his/her writing and if its published anyone should or could read it. When i read the word, I personally just keep reading, it's just another normal word to me. Yes, i know the meaning but the meaning is only how you portray it. Books that have the word in it (in my opinion) should be released as if it was any other book. When the book is read aloud it does seem a little intense and powerful but still just another word.  This day and age everyone in our generation uses the word, the more friendly one. It's in music, now in books and could continue to stay that way our generation is more understanding with the word when used with respect. It shouldn't be this way in this day and age, by this point everything should be equal. If it were to be replaced people would try and be too sensitive and make a big deal out of it. The word, the n-word, will never be at ease to say. You can read it in a book and then you’ll see the book on the news for discriminating or anything someone can come up with. If I were you, I would move on.