This article features reflections of YA authors and publishers on the conflicts between young readers and adults on reading patterns and taste. Authors include Robert Cormier, Harry Mazer, Norma Klein, Roald Dahl, Daniel Keyes, and Judy Blume.…
Alice Smith responds to Cormier's talk at the New York Public Library about his book Fade. She describes sharing the book with co-workers at her library and with middle school students.
Cormier describes the difference between St. Celicia's Parochial School and the public May A. Gallagher Junior High School. He mentions the novelty of racial diversity and his crush on Jean Spettigue. He also talks about his passion for music and…
This draft describes how Cormier shared a draft of The Chocolate War with his 15-year-old daughter to test Fabio Coen's idea that the excised chapter is unnecessary to the story. He then expresses his thanks for his network of supporters and family.
Two freshmen students write to the school committee defending The Chocolate War, refuting its power to incite students to challenge their parents and teachers. They ask the committee to trust in their students' judgment. The letter is signed by 38…