Addressing Tough Issues

On Sunday, I read this post by Janet Reid.  I totally agree that these tough subjects need to be addressed . . . but not by me.  Sometimes the only way teenagers get the information they need is by reading about it.  Yes, I'd like my child to come to me with her problems--but let's be real here, how often does that REALLY happen?  If she won't come to me then, I'd rather have my child read a 'fictional' account of date rape, drug abuse, drinking, homosexuality, etc.  Hopefully, she would realize HOW she needs to deal with it, who to talk to, etc. instead of keeping it to herself and allowing the wound to fester.  This rocky road can lead to severe depression, behavioral changes and sometimes suicide.

I will always remember my sister (12 years older than me) giving me a book when I was twelve.  I had just hit puberty along with all the complications associated with it.  The book was, ARE YOU THERE GOD?  IT'S ME, MARGARET by Judy Blume.  Was I totally embarrassed?  Hell, yeah, but it helped me in more ways than I care to count. 

There is a need for these types of books in schools, in libraries, and even in your own home.  Why are parents trying to ban this stuff from school libraries?  What happened to Freedom of Speech?  And the ability for us to make choices for ourselves?  Wouldn't you rather have your child read about something from a reasonably legit source over hearsay from their 'buddies'? 

What I find interesting is agents/editors don't want writers to write PB's (picture books) that TEACH the reader a lesson.  They don't want kids to be preached at.  BUT if you read many, many PB's or early readers, there are morals and lessons in each story.  The key is to hide the moral in the subtext.

In a sense, don't all books teach the reader?  It just depends on how subtle the author is when she addresses various issues. We learn so many things while reading, whether it is through the subtext or actual words. 

What are your thoughts on the subject? 

Write on!