You Can't Say That! Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell

Leonard S. Marcus, Dav Pilkey, Justin Richardson, Sonya Sones, Angie Thomas, R.L. Stine, Matt de la Peña, Robie H. Harris, Susan Kuklin, David Levithan, Meg Medina, Lesléa Newman, Peter Parnell, Katherine Paterson

eBook - 2021

What happens when freedom of expression comes under threat? In frank and wide-ranging interviews, historian and critic Leonard S. Marcus probes the experience of thirteen leading authors of books for young people.A powerful photo essay on transgender teens is called anti-religious and anti-family. A meticulously researched primer on sex education stirs up accusations of pornography and child abuse. Picture books about two mommies (or two penguin daddies) set off a hue and cry. Two hugely popular children's series run afoul of would-be censors, one for its scatological humor, the other because it's deemed too scary. Kids' books that touch on race, sex, LGBTQ matters, the occult, "coarse language," and more have found... themselves under the scrutiny of those who challenge First Amendment rights.Tune in as thirteen top children's and young adult authors speak out about what it's like to have your work banned or challenged in America today. Prompted by Leonard S.... more