From School Library Journal
Grade 8 Up–If there was ever a book that every young adult librarian and every reading teacher should read, this is it. And the students with whom they work will be clamoring to get their hands on it as well.
Dear Author is an astounding compilation of letters from teen readers to writers, and their replies. The letters speak of heartache, abuse, bullying, ostracism, and other issues that these young people have faced. They have written to the authors because they have identified with one or more of their characters. Lois Duncan and John Ritter reply with heartfelt responses, identifying with their readers and encouraging them to be strong. Following the letters are short biographies and bibliographies for each of the authors included. Why is this book so essential? First, it clearly shows what a tremendous impact YA literature has on teens. Second, it is immensely helpful in highlighting titles that just may help students/patrons deal with situations that are looming large in their lives. Whether or not they intended to, these authors have written stories that assist young adults in coping with their own lives. Essential.–
Delia Carruthers, Sunset Ridge Middle School, West Jordan, UT Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Chris Lynch, Nancy Garden, and Christopher Paul Curtis and are just a few of the well-known authors who respond to real teens' letters in this powerful compilation. Not mere fan mail, the selections speak about teens' gravest concerns--bullying, derailed friendships, racism, date rape, incest, illness, divorce, and more--and they describe how the authors' books helped them face the heartaches. The authors are candid in their responses, and they share their own experiences of overcoming struggle. Nearly all the authors congratulate the teens for the honesty and courage represented in the letters: "I know you will make it . . . Your [mind] is full of doubt, curiosity, and wonder--the hallmarks of a truly intelligent person," says Janet McDonald, who signs her letter to a Texas teen, "
Your Biggest Fan." For some readers, this dialogue between writers and readers will be inspiring; for those harboring their own wounding secrets, it may be lifesaving. Readers can log on to the authors' Web sites, listed in the appended biographical information.
Gillian EngbergCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
