From: Amy Krahn <akrahn>
Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 21:16:44 -0500

But the problem is that some children don't have someone to talk to, and that way too often these types of books are given to children in a school setting - with little discussion, poor presentation, and no guidance. No one is talking about banning books. But I do agree that these books could be dangerous. And I am disturbed by the increasing number of "reality fiction" books for children and young adults that focus on dark themes, dysfunctional situations and abuse. Yes, some children will find hope somewhere in the murky depths of dysfunction. I worry, however, that an increasing number will only feel hopelessness. Your teen years used to be a time when you were idealistic, immortal, and out to save the world. But unless you grow up seeing and believing that the world is essentially a good place, that idealism (the hope for all of our futures!) is harder to come by. I think Cormier's work is very brave and, set in balance with lighter works, has much to offer. However, I see more and more "darkness" in YA fiction and I don't want that to become our children's reality.

Amy Krahn
Received on Wed 22 Aug 2001 09:16:44 PM CDT