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…
Richardson recounts a student's journal entries on The Chocolate War as he worked on a paper on censorship of Cormier's work. The article includes portions of Paul's letter to Cormier and Cormier's complete response. Richardson closes on the…
Cormier discusses his feelings of helplessness in censorship battles. He also expresses his admiration for the teachers and librarians who support his writing and share it with young readers.
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.
Monseau considers student letters to Cormier's characters to argue that identifying with Cormier's characters helps students develop strength in their own identity.