Debbie Denzer shares her story of being fired for sharing a book about witchcraft with a student writing a paper on the topic. She admits her own disappointment in herself for previously dodging teaching Cormier's book for fear of falling into…
This incomplete document includes Cormier's explanation for why a writer cannot consider a reader's response while writing because it risks producing bland work.
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…
Teacher Margaret Silver talks about the need for strong YA literature. Silver finds Cormier a good example of a writer that prepares young readers for more difficult reading and for real-life problems.
Bauer discusses how morality is not a useful criterion to judge literature before going on to interpret the misunderstandings censors have of children's minds. She also explores how censorship directed at children may differ from that of adults.