Traverse City, MI seems to be on the up and up concerning problem novels. According to the Traverse City Record Eagle, the Traverse City area schools are learning that problem novels can help their students. The idea came about when a local boy was killed in an automobile crash, and his elementary school classmates read a fictional book to help them grieve and deal with their loss.
“There’s always been reality fiction, but in the last five to 10 years it’s certainly been more (prevalent), I think because of our society,” said Patricia Parsons, K-6 library media specialist for Traverse City Area Public Schools. ”As a society, we’re more ready to discuss these issues and we realize the importance of discussing them and of children being able to vent — and children’s authors have picked up on that. They’re filling that need.”
And I agree. I really believe that these books can help. I was discussing my blog with my mom the other day and telling her why I had an interest in these books. She told me she thinks kids have much tougher issues to deal with today then they did when she was a young. I would agree with that. We also talked about when I was younger and having problems and how I didn’t tell anyone. My mom said she did the same thing when she was growing up. It’s often difficult for adolescents to talk to adults about their problems, and school’s like those in Traverse City are realizing all of these things. They are seeing that books can help.
“In fiction for the junior high level, what I see now are books that deal with peer pressure, family, stress and addictive situations,” says Dawn Farley, the library department chair for Traverse City Area Public Schools and professor of a children’s literature class at Central Michigan University. Farley went on to say that “teachers and counselors at the school often ask about books dealing with certain issues, especially the loss of a parent or sibling.”
The school’s in Traverse City are making the concepts of these books known to teachers and school psychologists. Librarian’s are using their knowledge of problem novels to help students. When librarians know of a problem, they are ready with a book that can help students cope.
Parson states, “If a situation would be happening in a particular child’s life that they were made aware of by the child, a teacher, a social worker or a school psychologist, they would step in and through their own knowledge of the book recommend (a title)”
This concept seems so promising because it shows that children are reaching out for help. I am also pleased that teachers and school counselors are also seeing the validity of these books and seeking librarians to help them attain these materials for children.
But, some area school’s aren’t waiting for kids or councelor’s to speak up before introducing novels about topics that many kids face.
According to Lois Orth, a children’s specialist for Horizon Books in Traverse City, “Some area schools even assign books like Laurie Halse Anderson’s ‘Speak,’ about a teenage outcast, as summer reading for incoming students. It gives them a chance to talk about peer pressure.” read the entire article here
So, what of school’s assigning these books? I actually just finished “Speak.” I absolutely loved this book. I thought it really got into the psyche of the “outcast” kid. It does deal with some heavy issues, but there is also a lot of humor in this book. I found myself saying, “Yes! That is so what it’s like!” when the main character Melinda would reflect on her impressions of high school as well as the world around her.
I have heard many people speak highly of this book even before I had read it. I know it is highly received and acclaimed. But, because of it’s content (I don’t want to say too much about what the book is about. You need to read it to discover the answers) and occasional language, I know that some people might disapprove. So, below are my compiled comments regarding “Speak,” both positive and negative. I think these are especially important seeing that some schools, like those in Traverse City are requiring their students to read this book.
Listed on the SIBBAP “Bad Books” list. Listed below are a few samples the SIBBAP listed as evidence of the books inappropriateness:
“..closest we come to worship is the Trinity of Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. ..cheerleaders confuse me because I missed Sunday School. ..has to be a miracle. ..How else could they sleep with the football team on Saturday night and be reincarnated as virginal goddesses on Monday? ..2 realities.. In one.. Pride of the Trojans.. In.. 2.. wild parties.. rent beach houses.. get group rate abortions..”
“..open paperclip and scratch.. inside of my.. wrist. ..Pitiful. If a suicide attempt is a cry for help, then what is this? A whimper, a peep? I draw little windowcracks of blood, etching line after line until it stops hurting. ..looks like I arm-wrestled a rosebush.”
“..Home of the Trojans didn’t send a strong abstinence message, so they [renamed us] Blue Devils.” go here for the complete reference
“Speak” is listed as YA book dealing with “edgy subjects,” according to the Amercian Center of Cultural Renewal. Below is the opening paragraph of their article “How the ALA (American Library Association) Pushes Porn on our Children”
Here’s a well-researched article revealing the pornography that is now prevalent in what is called “Young Adult” literature. It’s what is being recommended to children – and they are taking the recommendation. And parents aren’t aware of the trash being pushed on their children. These books even get the top literary awards from the ALA, so unless you actually read them, you won’t know the appalling content. Here we have given the most unobjectionable account possible; there is much more contained in the books and all of it very disgusting. read the rest
The following are a few reviews posted on www.amazon.com regarding “Speak”
Beware of offensive language and adult subject matter, May 3, 2005
Melinda, a freshman, is considered an outcast at Merryweather High School because she supposedly busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops. The rejection and a traumatic episode give her a bad attitude about school, and her grades suffer as well. The traumatic experience is something she has hidden from everyone, but at an important opportunity, she talks about it and everything changes for her.
This book should be for mature readers because of offensive language and adult subject matter.
One of the worst books I’ve ever read…, February 21, 2005
A Kid’s Review
Speak is about a freshman in highschool who had gone to a party the previous summer, and called the cops for some mysterious reason. There are hints through the book, to what the “mysterious” thing is.
I was very dissapointed with this book. It was bizzarre, not well written, and even worse, I was forced to read it in my 7th grade English class. It was upsetting to me, personally, and it’s ridiculous that it should be allowed for ages “13 and up”. Parents/Teachers…before you allow your 13 year old daughter read this book…keep in mind that there is a very graphic/upsetting scene in the book. Not recommended for 13 and under.
What was worse about this book? The ending….I won’t give it away, but I can warn you that it took away from what the story was about. Completely ridiculous violence added to “excite” the reader.
All in all, this book is garbage. Sick, twisted, violent, innapropriate, for kids in my age group. I don’t understand how any writer could write a book like this, and aim it at kids my age. It’s sad…
Reviewer: A reader
This Book was a book that I could not even finish! It was too descriptive and had terrible language. I can not believe that any YOUNG ADULT should be reading it.
read more Amazon reviews here
I have read on many sites that “Speak” has been challenged in many schools, but I haven’t been able to find a list of those schools. However, I found while researching this book there is an overwhelming positive response toward it. I could list hundreds of those responses, but below are a few samples of positive responses to this book.
If teachers are not allowed to share books like Laurie Halse Anderson’s Speak with students, how will students ever feel comfortable enough to ask questions? How will they ever feel safe enough to tell us about a problem they’re having? How can they ever approach an adult to confess or open up about a real event if we cannot acknowledge these issues exist?- Julie Hughey @ Secondary English, Banned Books
From www.degrassi-boards.com
I recommended it to a friend of mine …… It made her realize that she has a voice, all she has to do is speak. (Her words, not mine) I felt so proud after, knowing that a book I heard of, off of a Degrassi site, helped one of my closest friends get through this horrible time.
I absolutely love this book! I read it two years ago, and it definately impacted my life. And not very many books can do that to me. I love how the main character was depicted, and what happened to her was greatly writen. Like how she delt w/ it and everything. I would have to say that this is most definately one of my favorite books!
I feel a bit dorky saying this, but I actually relate to this book alot. I’ve been through tough times and kids at school don’t understand about it. I picked up this book which was required by my friend at another school to read, not me, and I instantly felt like the author had written it from my point of view. It’s an amazing book that goes to show it isn’t always what it seems. see complete forum here
More www.amazon.com reviews:
Should have won the National Book Award., March 22, 2000
Zachary Beaver was good, but this one has stayed with me longer. I bought this for my 14-year old daughter, who loved it, so I tried it, and was blown away. Ms. Anderson sent me back 30 years and put me right back in high school. I felt so much for the main character and her struggle as an outcast. The author masterfully lets the story unfold slowly, drawing you in. My daughter agrees it was a very accurate depiction of high school life, and we’ve had some good discussions about the book. I’d recommend this to parents who have girls in high school, to refresh your memory of what it was like, and to give you a window on their world… This is a powerful novel that actually says something, and it deserves a wide readership. Pick it up and follow the main character through her freshman year- I guarantee you’ll be moved no matter what age you are.
an honest look at the difficulties of adolescence, April 18, 2000
…..Adults and teens alike should read this book. As for those who may say the topic is too “adult” for teens, I say you have no idea what being a teen ager these days is really like.
Speak – I think all young girls should read this book, March 20, 2000
Reviewer: A reader
I am the father of a young woman who recommended this book to me. I don’t usually read books aimed at teenage girls, but after reading “Speak”, I am recommending it to to my friends who are parents of young girls entering high school.
Outstanding writing, June 6, 2003
….I would like to think that some high school students would read this book and change their attitudes; I would like to see this book discussed in our high schools. It should be mandatory reading.
Awards for “Speak”
- A National Book Award Finalist
- An ALA Quick Pick
- An Edgar Allan Poe Award Finalist
- Winner of the SCBWI Golden Kite Award
- An ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults
- A BCCB Blue Ribbon Book
- A Horn Book Fanfare Title
- A 2000 Printz Honor Book
- Speak was nominated to the Siver Book Award
YA! Cast
Emo kids rejoice - The importance of "problem novels" in Young Adult Literature. 