Ellen Hopkins, popular YA author of problem novels in verse including Crank and Tricks, reports on her LiveJournal that a visit she was supposed to make to a middle school in Norman, OK was cancelled at the last minute due to parent complaints.
…the school superintendent not only pulled the books for review, he CANCELED my author visit. Wouldn’t even allow me to move to the high school. Seriously? What did that parent and he expect me to do? Go in with a live demonstration? Use the f-word? Talk about sex? I mean, you’ve got to be kidding. I’ve done hundreds of school visits. Pretty positive I’ve never corrupted a student. In fact, my talks inspire them. Arm them. Inform them.
Sadie Mattox, librarian/blogger for the Oklahoman newspaper gives us her take on the incident as well.
I THINK YOU
I THINK YOU SHOULD ACTUALLY SIT DOWN AND READ HER BOOKS INSTEAD OF TAKEN THE WORD OF OTHERS …. SHE IS TRYING TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS WHY NOT TO USE DRUGS AND YOU KNOW I HAD MY LITTLE SISTER READ IT AND IT WORKED GREAT ON GETTING HER NOT TO USE … SHE PUT HER SELF IN REHAB AND EVERYTHING … SHE HAS BEEN 100% CLEAN NOW FOR ALMOST A YEAR AND I HAVE ELLEN HOPKINS TO THANK FOR THAT !
THANK YOU ELLEN HOPKINS FOR GIVING MY SISTER BACK TO ME !