If your books are being banned, it is a sign that you are saying something important, uncomfortable enough for those bothered by it to respond in the only way they know how: undercutting truth. Im sorry your books are being banned but grateful that you write words that rankle people enough to attempt to ban them.
This pissed me off so much that I ordered the novel by way of protest. And even though I’m not a young adult, I’ll definitely read it because I was blown away by “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.”
These eager book burners might feel more threatened by Junior embracing knowledge and the mysteries found in books, and his boner is the excitement at the discovery that "every book is a mystery". As for the actual eroticism in these stories, there is eroticism in real life, and no amount of empty shelves will hide this fact from naturally sex-obsessed teenage readers. As for what these book banners are afraid of, few things are as difficult to control as a thinking, knowledge-thirsty person. When the apple is forbidden, whom does the taboo protect? May they read your books.
Around 2014-17 I taught your book to my ninth graders. (I’m a special education/ELA teacher.) I want to say I taught it two or three years in a row. What an incredibly important story and perspective for teenagers. It’s an essential read, in my mind.
Since that time, I’ve changed school districts, but Part-Time Indian will always hold a special place in my heart. Every time I think of it, I’m reminded of some wonderful students.
Thanks for passing this along, Sherman--much appreciated. When I was 10, 11, 12 I was urged into the children's section of the library but managed to check out adult nonfiction. NO WAY the aged librarian in Cocoa, Florida, of 1952+ was going to let a kid into adult fiction! (Wrote a poem on the subject ages ago entitled "Town Librarian."
My good friend taught English in So California in Ventura County a few years ago. I don't think the book was banned exactly but the district just kept not getting around to ordering it for some reason though she ordered it every year. So, she read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian out loud to her seniors. There's a lot of ways to ban books and a lot of ways to get around bans.
“In their vision of childhood—a green, sweet-smelling land invented by Victorians and untouched by violence, or discrimination, or death—white, straight, and cisgender characters are G-rated. All other characters, meanwhile, come with warning labels. When childhood is racialized, cisgendered, and de-queered, insisting on “age-appropriate material” becomes a way to instill doctrine and foreclose options for some readers, and to evict other readers from childhood entirely.”
Horse. Shit. The New Yorker writer conveniently and completely ignores the book banning coming from the left side of the political isle. This is the worst kind of gaslighting: the bold denial of any wrongdoing on the leftist side. This strand of contemporary book banning started on the left. The Right is being equally stupid by reacting the way they have. Both are engaging in tactical Orwellian horse poop. When the left does it = good; when the right does it = bad. 2020 riots = good; January 6 = bad. No! Both bad!!!
I can't count the number of times I've read your book aloud to my students. I teach in a reengagement program for teens who have dropped out and want to try high school again (In good ol' Spokane, by the way). The universal response is, first, incredulously, "this book is *actually* good." Second, usually a few chapters in, "this is the first book I've ever *actually* liked," and then, third, at the end, "did that guy write any other books?" (No *actually* on that last one; it's immediately on to Lone Ranger or Flight, same day) It never fails, and it's never happened as consistently as it does with Absolute True Diary. It is their gateway book! I'd challenge anyone who wants teach/reach teens disengaged with reading/school to find me something better. Thank you for this book; I'm thrilled to read this write up in the Times.
Loved "Diary of a Part-Time Indian". Banning Schmanning...let our children make up their own minds about what they like to read, not politicians or extremist groups.
You know your words are hitting a nerve when they make it onto the banned books list. Sincere Congratulations! I hope everyone so singled out will make a ton of extra sales. :-)
Don't have a subscription to the New Yorker so I can't read the article.
Would rather subscibe to your newsletter and hear it directly from the horse's mouth.
If your books are being banned, it is a sign that you are saying something important, uncomfortable enough for those bothered by it to respond in the only way they know how: undercutting truth. Im sorry your books are being banned but grateful that you write words that rankle people enough to attempt to ban them.
That Little Red Riding Hood with wine that Waldman mentions is by Trina Schart Hyman. https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Little-Red-Riding-Hood-Anniversary/Trina-Schart-Hyman/9780823456437
This pissed me off so much that I ordered the novel by way of protest. And even though I’m not a young adult, I’ll definitely read it because I was blown away by “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me.”
These eager book burners might feel more threatened by Junior embracing knowledge and the mysteries found in books, and his boner is the excitement at the discovery that "every book is a mystery". As for the actual eroticism in these stories, there is eroticism in real life, and no amount of empty shelves will hide this fact from naturally sex-obsessed teenage readers. As for what these book banners are afraid of, few things are as difficult to control as a thinking, knowledge-thirsty person. When the apple is forbidden, whom does the taboo protect? May they read your books.
Beautiful article.
Around 2014-17 I taught your book to my ninth graders. (I’m a special education/ELA teacher.) I want to say I taught it two or three years in a row. What an incredibly important story and perspective for teenagers. It’s an essential read, in my mind.
Since that time, I’ve changed school districts, but Part-Time Indian will always hold a special place in my heart. Every time I think of it, I’m reminded of some wonderful students.
Thanks, Sherman!
Thanks for passing this along, Sherman--much appreciated. When I was 10, 11, 12 I was urged into the children's section of the library but managed to check out adult nonfiction. NO WAY the aged librarian in Cocoa, Florida, of 1952+ was going to let a kid into adult fiction! (Wrote a poem on the subject ages ago entitled "Town Librarian."
Oh, ps, and to pass on to my grandchildren.
Great article and gonna order another Diary tomorrow to reread since I gave my old one away.
My good friend taught English in So California in Ventura County a few years ago. I don't think the book was banned exactly but the district just kept not getting around to ordering it for some reason though she ordered it every year. So, she read The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian out loud to her seniors. There's a lot of ways to ban books and a lot of ways to get around bans.
I read the article earlier and bought a copy of your book because of it. Can’t wait to start reading.
“In their vision of childhood—a green, sweet-smelling land invented by Victorians and untouched by violence, or discrimination, or death—white, straight, and cisgender characters are G-rated. All other characters, meanwhile, come with warning labels. When childhood is racialized, cisgendered, and de-queered, insisting on “age-appropriate material” becomes a way to instill doctrine and foreclose options for some readers, and to evict other readers from childhood entirely.”
Horse. Shit. The New Yorker writer conveniently and completely ignores the book banning coming from the left side of the political isle. This is the worst kind of gaslighting: the bold denial of any wrongdoing on the leftist side. This strand of contemporary book banning started on the left. The Right is being equally stupid by reacting the way they have. Both are engaging in tactical Orwellian horse poop. When the left does it = good; when the right does it = bad. 2020 riots = good; January 6 = bad. No! Both bad!!!
She did a great job, Sherman! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the "best review"... Linda
I can't count the number of times I've read your book aloud to my students. I teach in a reengagement program for teens who have dropped out and want to try high school again (In good ol' Spokane, by the way). The universal response is, first, incredulously, "this book is *actually* good." Second, usually a few chapters in, "this is the first book I've ever *actually* liked," and then, third, at the end, "did that guy write any other books?" (No *actually* on that last one; it's immediately on to Lone Ranger or Flight, same day) It never fails, and it's never happened as consistently as it does with Absolute True Diary. It is their gateway book! I'd challenge anyone who wants teach/reach teens disengaged with reading/school to find me something better. Thank you for this book; I'm thrilled to read this write up in the Times.
Loved "Diary of a Part-Time Indian". Banning Schmanning...let our children make up their own minds about what they like to read, not politicians or extremist groups.
You know your words are hitting a nerve when they make it onto the banned books list. Sincere Congratulations! I hope everyone so singled out will make a ton of extra sales. :-)