Robert Cormier: Banned, Challenged, and Censored

Authors of Banned Books

by Wendy Hart Beckman

Robert Cormier was one of the most widely respected authors of young adult fiction. His books have been acclaimed by critics and loved by readers. However, his realistic worldview and mature themes and language have made him a target of those who do not believe young people should be exposed to such books in school. Author Wendy Hart Beckman discusses Cormiers life and times and analyzes three of his best known books. She also explores the history and current state of book censorship, showing why it occurs and how it can be addressed. She helps readers decide for themselves whether the books should be banned.

Genres: Biography

160 pages, Library Binding

First published April 1, 2008

About the author

Wendy Beckman is the author of 10 books (five YA nonfiction and five adult nonfiction): Artists and Writers of the Harlem Renaissance; National Parks in Crisis: Debating the Issues; Communication Tools Made Easy; Dating, Relationships, and Sexuality: What Teens Should Know; Robert Cormier: Banned, Challenged, and Censored; Harlem Renaissance Artists and Writers; Founders and Famous Families of Cincinnati; University of Cincinnati College of Nursing: 125 Years of Transforming Health Care; and The 8 Wonders of Cincinnati. She is also a freelance writer and editor and writing instructor.

She is the co-founder of a nonprofit called "Athletes Joined Against Spondylitis," which she established to raise awareness and funds for research and treatment of a crippling form of arthritis called ankylosing spondylitis. She also has a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do.

Wendy also is a music lover and has studied piano, violin, oboe and voice. For 10 years, she sang in the May Festival Chorus, the official chorus of the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the oldest continuous choral tradition in the Western Hemisphere.

Reviews

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recommended for upper middle school, high school and adult. This is not just a biography of Robert Cormier, but also a history of censorship and book challenges. The first three chapters discuss censorship, book banning, and different groups involved in censorship and freedom of speech. The fourth chapter is about Cormier's life, and the next three discuss specific books and their challenges and awards. The final three chapters discuss responding to challenges, educational uses of Cormier's books, and future of his works. There is a very extensive (over 25 pages) reference section at the end of the book, including discussion questions, timeline, works cited, listing of Cormier's published works, glossary, for more information, further reading, internet addresses and index.

The book may be problematic for middle school, although it is quite readable. There are specific references to challenged passages in Cormier's books, which may be interpreted as "juicy bits" by less mature readers, who may then seek out the books for the wrong reasons. Otherwise it is a very informative source about Robert Cormier and censorship. Highly recommended.

[Wendy Beckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

OK, I'm prejudiced. I learned while writing this book that even Cormier's harshest critics of his writing respected and admired the man as a person. He was sincere, witty and conscientious. It was a pleasure getting to know him and his family through his works.