In this nonfiction collection, thirteen popular authors are interviewed by Leonars S. Marcus with a focus on their experiences with their writing being challenged.  How they felt about the challenges and how it shaped their future writing are common threads.  Challenges run the breadth of race, sex, LGBTQ matters, and the always contentious “course language.”  Authors that are interviewed include: Matt de la Pena, Robie H. Harris, Susan Kuklin, David Levithan, Meg Medina, Leslea Newman, Katherine Patterson, Dav Pilkey, Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell, Sonya Sones, R.L. Stein, and Angie Thomas.  The forward is written by Levar Burton.  The format of the book is that of a chapter per author starting with an introduction to the author’s background followed by what feels like an informal chat/interview between the author and Marcus.

The intended audience of this book should be those out there who feel the need to protect young readers by restricting what they read.  Those who are facing these challenges (librarians, educators, authors, literary fans) are more likely the ones to pick up this book and read it.  It’s informative and a real eye opener for those not in the thick of dealing with challenged books.  It’s packed full of powerful quotes for those wanting to support the first amendment.  

Reviewed by Heidi Kopishke, Camden Hills Regional High School, Rockport, ME.