Can you help defend Eleanor & Park from censorship?
Since Eleanor & Park came out three years ago, it's been challenged a number of times by people who don't believe it's appropriate for teens to read. These challenges can get ugly -- books banned, author visits canceled, librarians threatened.
When this happens -- to my book and others -- the National Coalition Against Censorship swoops in heroically to defend the books and our freedom to read.
But during these challenges, the voices of readers are rarely heard. Especially the voices of young readers.
I can defend my book, the NCAC can say why the book is valuable for teens -- but that isn't nearly as powerful as testimonials from readers.
Could you help?
If Eleanor & Park was important to you -- or to your students -- could you write a letter saying so?
It doesn't have to be long. And you don't have to be a teen to share your experience. (Though, again, the NCAC would really love to hear from young adults.)
If the book made you laugh or cry... If it changed the way you see yourself or other people... If you thought to yourself, "I'm so glad to be reading this while I'm in high school"... Or "I wish that I'd had this book in high school ..."
Please, write it down and send it to the NCAC. They'll be so grateful.
And so will I.
Here's the address --
NCAC
19 Fulton St., Suite 407
New York, NY 10038
Or email --
ncac@ncac.org
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I loved this book. There is not anything in this book that teens haven't already head. Why it is challenged is beyond me!
My email has already been sent and I got the reply too.
My email is sent, Rainbow. Thank you so much for your books. I am richer for having read them.
What is supposed to be 'inappropriate' here? I don't understand how an insightful book could be reported for such ridiculous reasons.
Is this a joke? It has to be. I mean.. I have read ALOT more challenging teen books that have been in my school library where there were 12 year old running up and down the place... I don't see why people are being funny about it.... Is it cause it's gonna be a motion Picture? I dunno. But u have my support.
I will also help as much as I can, I volunteer at the regional Library in my area, so I can spread the word with others lovers of this wonderful book.
This book is the best book ive read so far and nobody can stop me/us from what we want to read.
This book made me realize that love moves in the strangest of ways. I effing love this.
A wonderful book about friendship. One of the best books I have read.
Leslie wrote: "I don't understand what the problem is. Other books have much stronger/more mature content and these students are getting ready to go to college."I agree. This book helps people with these types of problems to realize that they are not alone, that there are others out there going through the same thing, and that they can find hope and help. This book should never be banned from any shelf, ever. <3
Email sent to NCAC! I wish this book was around in my angsty teen years. Loved it!
I'm a high school librarian, and I pitch this book to my students every chance I get. I always tell them, "This woman truly gets what it's like to be a teenager." My school is going through some big stuff with challenging (or being afraid of a challenge) the novel Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. I'm becoming more and more passionate about putting good stories, true life experiences, into students' hands, and this book is IDEAL for that. I wish it was TAUGHT in classes!!! I will encourage all my students who've read the book to contribute to this cause.
I already did mine, hope they can read it and realized that this book is actually very cool for anybody.
Honestly, every young adult should read this book. Eleanor and Park is an experience. Some people just don't make sense.
Hayat wrote: "Honestly, every young adult should read this book. Eleanor and Park is an experience. Some people just don't make sense."I agree completely. Very well said!
Maybe the challenge is a nod to the overall power of the book?