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

by Leonard S. Marcus (Editor) Narrated by Tom Parks, Thom Rivera, Janet Metzger, Roxanne Hernandez, Arthur Morey, Susan Dalian

Overview

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. Marcus's insightful questions, they discuss why their books have faced censorship-both blatant and “soft”-how the challenges have or haven't affected their writing, and why some people feel they have the right to deny access to books. In addition, Leonard S. Marcus puts First Amendment challenges in a historical context and takes a promising look at the vibrant support network that has risen up to protect and defend young people's rights.

Authors interviewed include:
Matt de la Peña
Robie H. Harris
Susan Kuklin
David Levithan
Meg Medina
Lesléa Newman
Katherine Patterson
Dav Pilkey
Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Sonya Sones
R. L. Stine
Angie Thomas.

Editorial Reviews

AUGUST 2021 - AudioFile

Multiple narrators reenact interviews with authors on censorship and free expression. The discussions are between editor Leonard S. Marcus and 13 authors of controversial books for kids and young adults. Narrator Tom Parks reads all of Marcus’s interview questions; each chapter features one author represented by a different narrator. Parks’s delivery style is stiff, but the authors’ answers seem genuine and conversational. Narrator Janet Metzger is particularly good at narrating author Katherine Paterson’s (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA) sharp-witted Southern-accented responses. Narrator Thom Rivera is also upbeat and enjoyable as author David Levithan (BOY MEETS BOY). Narrator Susan Dalian ardently delivers Angie Thomas's answers and her explanation of the connection between THE HATE U GIVE and hip-hop. L.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

AUGUST 2021 - AudioFile

Multiple narrators reenact interviews with authors on censorship and free expression. The discussions are between editor Leonard S. Marcus and 13 authors of controversial books for kids and young adults. Narrator Tom Parks reads all of Marcus’s interview questions; each chapter features one author represented by a different narrator. Parks’s delivery style is stiff, but the authors’ answers seem genuine and conversational. Narrator Janet Metzger is particularly good at narrating author Katherine Paterson’s (BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA) sharp-witted Southern-accented responses. Narrator Thom Rivera is also upbeat and enjoyable as author David Levithan (BOY MEETS BOY). Narrator Susan Dalian ardently delivers Angie Thomas's answers and her explanation of the connection between THE HATE U GIVE and hip-hop. L.T. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940175073264
Publisher:	Brilliance Audio
Publication date:	07/13/2021
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	8 - 11 Years

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