Hit List for Young Adults 2: Frequently Challenged Books - Book Review

Adolescence, Fall, 2002

LESESNE, Teri S., & CHANCE, Rosemary, for the YOUNG ADULT LIBRARY SERVICES ASSOCIATION. Hit List for Young Adults 2: Frequently Challenged Books. Chicago: American Library Association, 2002. 70pp. $25.00 (p).

The Catcher in the Rye, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and the 2000 Printz Honor Book Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson -- these are some of the most beloved, and most challenged, books. Leaving controversial titles such as these out of your collection or limiting their access is not the answer to challenges. While the American Library Association's Office for Intellectual Freedom reports more than 6,000 challenges to young adult literature from 1990 through 2000, the best-selling Hit List series gives you the information you need to defend challenged books with an informed response and ensure free access to young book lovers. Featuring 20 "hot button" books including 11 new titles, Hit List for Young Adults 2 presents a who's who of young adult writers including Salinger, Cormier, Chbosky, and Blume. With a profile of each book that includes its plot and characters, related materials and published reviews, awards and prizes, and Web and audiovisual resources, you will be prepared to answer even the toughest a ttacks. Recent and compelling challenges are also discussed so that you will be ready to address the most common questions in order to: educate your audience with concise descriptions of plot and characters; define the larger context with background articles about the challenged books and authors; show literary quality and relevance with awards and recommended reading citations; and handle situations professionally using sample letters, requests, and forms. The appendix is filled with useful tools to help librarians combat censorship.