YOUNG ADULT NONFICTION : You can't say that! compiled and edited by Leonard S. Marcus
ABOUT THE BOOK
What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people.
A powerful photo essay on transgender teens is called anti-religious and anti-family. A meticulously researched primer on sex education stirs up accusations of pornography and child abuse. Picture books about two mommies (or two penguin daddies) set off a hue and cry. Two hugely popular children's series run afoul of would-be censors, one for its scatological humor, the other because it's deemed too scary. Kids' books that touch on race, sex, LGBTQ matters, the occult, "coarse language," and more have found themselves under the scrutiny of those who challenge First Amendment rights.
Tune in as thirteen top children's and young adult authors speak out about what it's like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Prompted by Leonard S. Marcus's insightful questions, they discuss why their books have faced censorship--both blatant and "soft"--how the challenges have or haven't affected their writing, and why some people feel they have the right to deny access to books. In addition, Leonard S. Marcus puts First Amendment challenges in a historical context and takes a promising look at the vibrant support network that has risen up to protect and defend young people's rights.
Authors interviewed include:
Matt de la Pena
Robie H. Harris
Susan Kuklin
David Levithan
Meg Medina
Leslea Newman
Katherine Patterson
Dav Pilkey
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Sonya Sones
R. L. Stine
Angie Thomas.
REVIEW
I've long enjoyed reading or listening to author's talk about their work. It's fascinating to me all the different ways that people find their way into writing. Naturally, as with most things, some people are naturally bolder than others and it shows up in what and how they write. In this excellent book, Leonard Marcus presents readers with a brief background sketch and interview with each of thirteen different authors. Not only does each interview highlight some of the work the author has done, but it highlights his/her/their experiences and thoughts about censorship. While I haven't read works by all these authors, I am familiar with most of them and their work. I can't even say that I agree with everything that was presented in the interviews. I did find it intriguing to read about the experiences and opinions of these authors regarding censorship, which all thirteen of them have faced. Each author has a chapter dedicated to him/her/them with a brief introduction followed by a question-and-answer format interview. I appreciated Marcus taking the time to explain how each interview was created. The introduction about censorship and its long history provided a great overview of the topic. Marcus and the authors have created a very engaging, readable book about a very current and applicable topic. I recommend this title for both adults and teens interested in the topic of censorship.
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