You Can't Say That!

Writers for Young People Talk About Censorship, Free Expression, and the Stories They Have to Tell

De: Leonard S. Marcus - editor

Narrado por: Tom Parks, Thom Rivera, Janet Metzger, Roxanne Hernandez, Arthur Morey, Susan Dalian

Duración: 6 h y 22 m

Resumen del Editor

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

©2021 by Leonard S. Marcus, original book published by Candlewick Press. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Multiple narrators reenact interviews with authors on censorship and free expression…. Narrator Tom Parks reads all of Marcus's interview questions; each chapter features one author represented by a different narrator.… 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.” —AudioFile Magazine

Fantastic

Thank you Leonard for such a great project! Will certainly love to see more of this.