ANSWERS IN THE PAGES by David Levithan

 

Donovan is excited to begin reading the new book assigned in Mr. Howe's class. They read the first chapter and then were given the book to take home and continue reading. That's when the trouble started. 

Out of curiosity, Donovan's mother picked up his copy of The Adventurers and flipped to the last page as she does with most books she reads. Well, she read a paragraph that shocked and surprised her. She immediately confiscated Donovan's book, marched into the principal's office, and filed a complaint against the book.

News traveled quickly, and soon a number of parents were objecting to the book. According to the upset parents, The Adventurers would encourage homosexual behavior in their children. Donovan and his fellow classmates were now determined to finish reading the book. They believed the author was just telling a great adventure story.

Author David Levithan hits on a current hot button topic in children's and young adult literature. People across the country are objecting to books found in many school classrooms and libraries. Levithan deftly weaves together three stories in ANSWERS IN THE PAGES that end with an interesting twist. It will speak to young readers and adults alike about the unwarranted censorship arguments plaguing schools today.

On a side note - ANSWERS IN THE PAGES reminds me of Chris Crutcher's SLEDDING HILL, another book within a book type story about censorship. It is also a great read that speaks to today's judgmental climate.