Debra Garfinkle: Okay, let's start. First I will introduce the guests. Then I will ask them questions for a half hour. Then questions will be opened up for everybody.

Debra Garfinkle: Amanda Jenkins is the author of the young adult novels DAMAGE, BREAKING BOXES, OUT OF ORDER, and the soon to be released BEATING HEART.

Debra Garfinkle: Teri Lesesne is a library professor and author of many books on literature, including MAKING THE MATCH; THE RIGHT BOOK FOR THE RIGHT READER AT THE RIGHT TIME.

Debra Garfinkle: Dawn Emerman holds a master's degree in Children's Literature and writes about YA literature in her "Avenging Sybil" weblog.

Debra Garfinkle: Welcome!

Debra Garfinkle: First question, have any of you had personal experience with books being protested or banned? Amanda, GA.

Debra Garfinkle: (GA stands for Go Ahead.)

Amanda: My first book was banned.

Amanda: I think because of profanity and homosexuality. GA.

Debra Garfinkle: Did you fight that at all, Amanda? GA

Amanda: No. Nobody contacts you when your book is banned.

Amanda: I heard about it a while back, then forgot about it.

Amanda: And I think some of the banners share their lists, so once you get on one list, you appear on several.

Debra Garfinkle: Interesting. Sad. The author's the last to know, I guess. How about you, Teri and Dawn?

Amanda: And it's somewhat of a joke, because that's the only book of mine that's been banned, when some of the others are "worse." GA.

Teri: i think one of the reasons I went into YA lit was that my first year teaching saw a book banning at the school of Mr and Mrs BoJo Jones

Teri: It was not aimed at me, though, but i was intrigued about why folks would ban a book. GA

Dawn: Teri's experience is much like mine. (None of my writing has been banned yet - heh).

Debra Garfinkle: What factors get a book banned the most do you think? It seems like books about homosexuality really get slammed? Or is there something even "worse?" Teri, GA

Teri: it seems to change from season to season. right now, books about ANY kind of sexuality are popular targets. From Rainbow Party to Claiming Georgia Tate to Teach Me (hi there, r.a.). GA

Debra Garfinkle: Dawn, do you think books about female sexuality are particularly ripe for censorship?

Dawn: Isn't there something about young women and sexuality that always seems to be taboo?

Debra Garfinkle: Amanda, has your publisher or agent ever told you not to be so "racy?" GA

Dawn: I think about the uproar over Claiming Georgia Tate and how it's completely misguided - people see a girl having sex and that's what stands out, at least from a sensationalist point of view. GA

Amanda: The only thing that ever got toned down was the bit that they pulled for the back of Breaking Boxes.

Amanda: Otherwise, I only trim when the story requires it.

Amanda: GA

Debra Garfinkle: Amanda, are you able to get school visits? I know some authors who write about mature subject matter have trouble with this. GA.

Amanda: I don't do school visits. I've never been asked, now that I think about it, but I wouldn't do them anyway.

Amanda: I know other authors who have been banned who do school visits, though. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Teri, do you think it's common to "silently" ban books, by the librarian or teacher simply not ordering them? GA

Teri: there was someone who did some research on this in Texas recently. he surveyed libraries (school) to see which ones had certain titles and did conclude that many of the more problematic titles were simply not part of the collections. i think there is the more sinister censorship also that takes place when a supervisor comes into the library and simply pulls books that are getting bad press. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Oh, wow, I hadn't heard of that! Sheesh.

Debra Garfinkle: Okay, what do you think about "labeling" books. For instance putting a "sexual content" sticker on the cover. Dawn, GA.

Debra Garfinkle: Dawn? Teri or Amanda, how about your thoughts? GA

Dawn: I'm against it - not that I'm against helping parents be more easily informed what their kids might read (and therefore, in theory, might help them be less gung-ho to get things banned). But it's a slippery slope. Where do you draw the line? If sexuality is marked, why not V for violence? BL for bad language? GA

Amanda: The question is, what constitutes "sexual content"?

Debra Garfinkle: Oh, sorry Dawn.

Teri: how do we decide what is sexual content or "bad" language? and who does decide? i do not even like it for music.

Dawn: No problem - I'm not used to doing this live :-)

Dawn: Oh, and I agree with Teri and Amanda. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Playing devil's advocate here, isn't it hard for parents to keep track of the 1000s of books published each year. How do they moderate what their kids are reading?

Amanda: They *can* read the books their kids are reading. I do. I watch my kids' tv shows, and listen to their music. GA

Teri: why can't they read along with kids, look at reviews, ask others? that's how i deceide on movies and TV and the rest of the media. course, i do not censor what my own kids read. i rely on them to put down a book that is not right for them. and they do. GA

Dawn: Great question. My parents never censored what I read. I think they were just thrilled that reading was my chosen pastime, so they didn't look too closely. I read lots of things before I was ready to read them. But I took in what I was ready for, and if everything else was too disturbing, I went to my parents with it. GA

Debra Garfinkle: What are your favorite "racy" books? Teri.

Amanda: Did you see that ignorant woman on NBC saying there's nothing out there but sex and fantasy? She was standing in front of hundreds of other kinds of books. Duh!

Debra Garfinkle: LOL Amanda.

Debra Garfinkle: (I will say it was reading The Happy Hooker at age ten that really got me loving books.

Teri: right now I adore Teach Me but it is others who call it racy. Same for Claiming Georgia Tate and others. Twllight is my 12 year old's favorite. She has read it 6 times.

Teri: GA

Debra Garfinkle: Wow. How about you, Amanda?

Amanda: I guess one of the best has to be Rats Saw God. *Great* sex scene. A classic.

Amanda: Very detailed and real. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Teri, what are some of your favorites?

Debra Garfinkle: Oh, sorry, I meant Dawn.

Dawn: I loved Tithe, which I guess is more sensual than racy. LOVE Rats Saw God. One of the best sex scenes ever, I agree. Sexy by Oates was something else, it was transcendent. What makes these books all great, I guess, is that they have a lot more going for them than just the raciness. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Are there some books that a high school library simply shouldn't stock? Or is anything fair game? Teri.

Teri: loaded question. i say it is all fair game as each school has different needs. it is a matter of having and following a selection policy. of course that souds good on paper (or screen) and is not always followed. i do think there is not any book i can think of offhand that would be off limits for all libraries. GA

Debra Garfinkle: You guys are so smart. Okay, let's wrap up my portion by having you tell us about your future works. I got to read the advanced reading copy of Amanda's new book and loved it. Tell us about it, Amanda. GA.

thingschange: ?

Amanda: Beating Heart comes out in January. It's about sex and death!

Amanda: GA

Debra Garfinkle: It is! Racy! And good!

Debra Garfinkle: Teri, you have a new book coming out soon too. Please tell us about it. GA.

Teri: it is called naked reading but it is not racy. i do hope it will be good. it is about motivating younger kids to read.

Teri: GA

Debra Garfinkle: I love that title. And Dawn, you're a writer, too, no? What are you working on?

Dawn: I finished the first draft of my first novel...started to work on my second. Both YA novels, both definitely deal with female protagonists and their sexual experiences, among other things. I'm working on getting the first one published...you know how that is. And I'll keep up Avengingsybil as long as there's a reason for it.

Debra Garfinkle: I love your blog! Please keep it up. And good luck with your books. Now we'll take questions from everyone.

Amanda: ?

Dawn: Thanks!

Debra Garfinkle: Please type "?" and I'll call on you in turn.

Debra Garfinkle: Amanda, GA.

Amanda: Teri, why is your book called Naked Reading?

E. Lockhart: ?

Teri: there is an anecdote at the heart about my youngest reading naked. however, it is also about stripping away all the educational gunk and getting down to simple reading for pleasure and fun GA

Debra Garfinkle: Patrick, next, then Emily. Staci, did you have a question?

Kristin in WI: ?

anika: ?

Debra Garfinkle: Patrick?

Debra Garfinkle: Emily, why don't you ask yours.

CathyA: ?

E. Lockhart: For all, I am wondering if there are messages about sexuality you particularly try to convey in your writing -- or whether you write in the service of story, instead. (Amanda, I still remember that line in Breaking Boxes about boobs being like magnets, and I read it when it first came out! I actually did the Flying Starts interview with you for PW.)

Amanda: Oh! Bless you for not putting down everything I said.

Amanda: I have messages, not to convey, but that seep in because they're what I believe.

E. Lockhart: Such as?

Amanda: Right or wrong, they're what I believe to be true.

Amanda: Like...okay, I think girls need to be careful about equating sex with love, when boys often don't.

Amanda: I think girls need to be careful not to use sex to get approval.

r.a. nelson: ?

Amanda: And I think boys need to try to think more about what they really feel. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Patrick and Staci, ask any time. The next order is Kristin, then Anika.

Kristin in WI: Amanda, earlier you said you don't visit schools. Why?

Amanda: I like to talk to librarians and teachers. But I have a teaching certificate, and if I wanted to teach, that's what I'd be doing.

Dawn: And I take a different tack, Amanda, that sexuality is a very personal thing, it's different for every person, and not necessarily dictated by sex. But I do appreciate that you don't lump boys as lost causes who have more sexual freedom as a default GA.

Amanda: Whatever I have to say to kids is already in my books, and I don't like the frustration of trying to communicate with them in an hour and then leaving forever.

Amanda: Ga

Debra Garfinkle: Anika, then Cathy, then Russ.

Amanda: What do you mean Dawn, that sexuality is not dictated by sex?

Dawn: Yeah, that sounds funny. I meant behavior being determined by whether or not one is male or female.

Amanda: Ohhhh. Hm. Well. That's a whole nother discussion.

Amanda: Ga

CathyA: Amanda, any theories why the banners have focused on Breaking Boxes and not your other books?

Amanda: Because that's the one some banning type happened to read. Morons.

Amanda: GA

Debra Garfinkle: lol Amanda

Debra Garfinkle: Anika or Russ, please ask your questions.

CathyA: Yeah, my impression is that banners don't get too deep into literature...

r.a. nelson: Hi, Teri, thanks for the kind words about Teach Me. Have you encountered any of the displaced students from New Orleans yet?

Kristin in WI: ?

Teri: we have about 100 new ones up here (we are 50 miles north of Houston) but there are schools here with thousands of new kids. of course some of them will be moving farther inland now that Rita is coming here. GA

anika: Are there some issues that seem to cause more challenges? I've written a YA novel in which one of the main characters has an abortion. I sent out about 30 free copies to YA librarians and got two responses on the YALSA listserv; one negative and one positive. But I suspect that a lot of YA librarians decided not to even read it when they realized the content and knew that without excellent reviews from "real" review publications there was no point in considering it for their collections. I think some "banning" is happening at the writers' desks as we wonder what will be accepted . . . or not in this climate of making books "safe" for kids. Interesting that the fictional book that gets challenged in Crutcher's THE SLEDDING HILL contains gay and lesbian issues and abortion.

Amanda: When Staci asked earlier about what we were doing to fight banning, that's what I thought: if you're a write, you fight by writing what you need to write, and letting the chips fall where they may.

Amanda: But...I also think it's poor writing to write something just because you think it'll raise people's eyebrows.

Amanda: GA

Debra Garfinkle: I thought Gingerbread was very brave in that the main character was loveable and had had an abortion.

Teri: i took a look at a web site tonight that someone on yalsa-bk referred us to for helping parents make media decisions for kids. having read what they had to say about LIGHTNING THIEF, i would say there is no subject one could broach safely for some folks. they criticized the book because the Greek gods were having sex with mortal women, because Percy's stepdad smokes, and something else ridiculous. GA

Debra Garfinkle: Kristin. GA.

Kristin in WI: This is for all the authors; Are there any topics/situations that you would NOT write about? why?

Dawn: Gingerbread, yes. And still she was a sexual person. Emotionally affected, but not incapacitated. A very healthy perspective.

Debra Garfinkle: Dawn? Amanda?

Kristin in WI: Teri, I was just looking at that website, there's a key at the left that tells you the white boxes show it as a non-issue. I think its just listing everything, not necessarily judging it.

Kristin in WI: IMO

Debra Garfinkle: I agree, Dawn.

Amanda: I probably wouldn't write about abortion, because I've never had one and couldn't do it justice. Same with other subjects that I consider a little too far out of my experience, that are emotionally charged for other people.

Amanda: I probably wouldn't write about abortion, because I've never had one and couldn't do it justice. Same with other subjects that I consider a little too far out of my experience, that are emotionally charged for other people.

Amanda: GA

Debra Garfinkle: Okay, anyone with questions, ask away.

Teri: Kristin, but just by virtue of mentioning this stuff, the book will be kept from potential readers. you need to understand the insidious nature of those who challenge and sensor.

Amanda: Whoa, cool, is there an echo in here?

Kristin in WI: Having never been challenged or been a challenger, I guess I may be naive in my thinking. I can't understand their nature.

MarPerez: ?

Amanda: Teri and Dawn, what you think about reviewers pointing out potential problems for libarians--like pointing out sex scenes, profanity, etc.? Do you think that's good, or bad?

Debra Garfinkle: Mar, GA

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: How can I get one of those "sexual content" stickers? I want to increase sales of my books.

thingschange: How much "racyness" gets left on the cutting room floor for all of you

MarPerez: What about reviewer censorship? Anybody experienced it?

Dawn: I guess it's good for those who deal directly with children to have a heads up - not to be prejudicial, but in their position they might want to know if something's going to come at them.

CathyA: Is there sometimes censorship that comes from the other side--if a hot issue isn't presented in a safe, "approved" way? Kids sure aren't as PC(sorry, I know that's a loaded term) as we'd like them to be.

thingschange: <sorry if you already answered; I got pulled away on a dogmergency>

Teri: Amanda, i use "code" words to point out books that are intense only because the YA label runs from 10 year olds up. i don't specifically talk about sex and language, just try to give some sense of audience. GA

MarPerez: I feel that there are so many people out there who are "scared" of my book. And I'm amazed, frankly.

Amanda: Patrick, I don't censor my books at all except for readability.

thingschange: how bout your editors??

Amanda: Mar, can you define "reviewer censorship?"

Amanda: Patrick, my editors don't approach it that way. If they are trying to censor, they know enough to come at it from a "what's best for the story" angle.

Debra Garfinkle: My editor had me take out the f word, saying I'd lose a lot of library sales.

MarPerez: oh, stuff like "casual sex" (to me, that's kind of a judgement call because who decides what is casual? Or stuff about how I should have left out drinking, etc.

Debra Garfinkle: He didn't "order" me to do it. He suggested it, and I did it.

Amanda: Debby, your editor was right. But still, she needs to be slapped. IMO.

CathyA: As authors, should we present teens as we see them or as they *should* be? Dawn, would you automatically discount a female teen character who *doesn't* celebrate her sexuality?

r.a. nelson: Debra, have you encountered any trouble with your book? It's technically more graphic than mine, but I wonder if the humor helps keep the "villagers" at bay?

anika: Forgot to mention (although maybe it's obvious) that my book is self-published. I'm a published children's author but decided to go on my own with this one because it's so different from my other work. I'm aware of only two YA books in which one of the main characters actually has an abortion within the time frame of the story: LIKE SISTERS ON THE HOMEFRONT and BORROWED LIGHT. Both are by women. So is GINGERBREAD (by a woman author) but in that novel the abortion takes place prior to the beginning of the novel.

Amanda: Mar, to me that's the question--the reviewer has to let his readers know what they need to know in order to make a decision whether to purchase. The reviewers don't censor, but their readers sometimes do.

Debra Garfinkle: Well, at least half the reviews have mentioned that there is a lot of penis talk in the book.

Dawn: Good question, Cathy. I wouldn't automatically discount a character for any reason except if she rang false.

Debra Garfinkle: It's hard for me to know if sales have been affected.

CathyA: Ah, Dawn, glad to hear it.

Dawn: I focus on characters who offer a different or sex-positive perspective for my site, but as a reader, I'm not that single-minded.

WriterRoss: I remember the brouhaha when J. Blume's FOREVER was published and she talked about Michael's penis as a "Ralph." Nothing changes, Deb.

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: I guess Ralph's penis would be called a "Michael."

Debra Garfinkle: LOL

WriterRoss: Hahah!!

Teri: lol

Amanda: Cathy, you asked about PC censorship--yes, that's definitely there, too.

Debra Garfinkle: I think we should wrap this up. What a great chat! Thank you so much.

thingschange: ?

CathyA: I think it's amazing--and flattering--what gets banned and what doesn't. Flattering because, you can't buy that kind of publicity!

Debra Garfinkle: Okay, one last question from Patrick.

CathyA: Amanda, examples? I think so, too.

kimmar: Any suggestions for a writer who thinks a sex scene may be necessary in a book, but that author has no clue how write one (she has read plenty)?

Debra Garfinkle: And of course we can stay and chat informally.

thingschange: There's an interesting article in the new Maxim about the book The COllector by John Fowles - anyone see it

Teri: nope

Amanda: Well, when Breaking Boxes first sold, the editors in NYC were hesitant because they thought nobody had negative views about homosexuality anymore.

thingschange: Its about how that book has been a text for serial rapists killers. I just think we should admit sometimes a book can be a bad influence in the wrong hands at the wrong times iwth the wrong person

Amanda: kimmar, write it out as detailed as you please, then go back and cut, cut, cut till you have only what you need to move the story forward or tell about the character. Anything more than that says more about you and your desires than it does about the characters.

r.a. nelson: Kathleen, did they give you a tough time over Target? Universe?

thingschange: Gotta move away from black and white thinking on these issue...there are lines (no school library would have most of the new ghetto literature for example)

E. Lockhart: The area where I've encountered censorship (or more accurately, editorial suggestions that I rethink something to make a book more marketable to Walmart etc.) has not been sex, at all. It has been race in books for younger children. (as in a child with a Jewish-sounding surname is "too urban" or an illustrator who draws black characters is "too inner city.") Though I did have to cut a reference to oral sex in a YA book for England because whatever that big chain is (Smith's?) will not carry books with oral. At least not in YA.

r.a. nelson: Great chat, everybody...great job hosting, Debra!

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: I got some guff for both, yes. No banning, as such, but I think lots of libraries simply didn't buy them.

Debra Garfinkle: That's a good point, Patrick. And i have to say I wasn't thrilled when my daughter (11) read my copy of A Million Little Pieces. I'd rather her read more kids books. But I didn't stop her, either.

DorianCirrone: Yes, thanks Debra, Teri, Amanda, and Dawn. Great chat!

MarPerez: CathyA, it's the quiet censorship that gets me. It doesn't get you any publicity, but it DOES get you politely excluded from stores, author events, etc.

Kristin in WI: I did because I love your books! :)

Amanda: And Mar, I think that's the most prevalent kind of censorship.

Debra Garfinkle: Teri, Dawn, and Amanda, I don't want to keep you. I really appreciate you coming. Feel free to stay if you want though. Thank you!

maryann: and the most difficult to prevent

r.a. nelson: My ninth grade son's teacher saw the article about Teach Me in the local paper and got all excited and ask me to come speak....

Amanda: Dawn, love your blog!

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: I bet your son was thrilled. Not!

r.a. nelson: I told her maybe she wanted to read it first...she did....the invite was withdrawn (quite nicely). She said she loved it, but new some of the parents would freak

Dawn: Thanks, Amanda. It was an honor to be asked to participate tonight. Fun and stimulating.

WriterRoss: E: "Too Jewish?" "Too black?" (Ugh.) Sounds like a spoof of a Jackie Mason sketch.

r.a. nelson: Yeah! I can just see poor Chris sitting there with me talking about my book. Yikes

CathyA: Argh, got knocked out by a thunderstorm. Yes, Mar, the quiet censorship we never know about. FWIW, I never heard anything about censoring JEFF, which I almost expected.

Debra Garfinkle: That's too bad, Russ. They could have learned a lot from you.

E. Lockhart: Don't I know it

kimmar: has your son read it Russ?

r.a. nelson: I figured ninth grade was pushing it, Debra.

Debra Garfinkle: Marlene and I have spoken to 8th graders.

r.a. nelson: Chris hasn't read it, none of my sons have....they are too busy playing soccer, world of warcraft online and reading Eldest! :)

kimmar: lol

Sam: my daughter is reading Eldest too

r.a. nelson: I think in some parts of the country they would let me do a talk for ninth grade...south is still sooooo conservative

WriterRoss: Kathleen-- did you encounter any resistance (Editorial or otherwise) in GREAT AND BRUTAL-- re: the nakedness of the siblings, etc. Love that book.

CathyA: It's strange what banners choose to focus on--the selections are almost cherry picked and presented rather than deep feeling behind most of them, IMO.

MarPerez: yep, Debby and I talked to 8th graders, but with permission slips from the parents.

Amanda: I started Eragon, and thought, what the heck is this? These are Tolkien names with the letters moved around!

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: No. For sure I thought someone would yelp. Actually, I'm kind of insulted that they didn't.

Sam: I agree. my daughter loves it though

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: Every time I see a list of banned books I'm totally disappointed that I'm not on it.

r.a. nelson: We thought maybe I could just do a chat on writing and what it takes to get published, etc....but nope.....guess they were afraid the book would come up

maryann: amanda mentioned earlier the sites that have lists w/ excerpts pulled out - how many haven't actually read the books?

CathyA: Kathleen, you haven't had *any* pressure, at all, on any of your books?

Debra Garfinkle: You know I had to change two paragraphs after the ARC was printed to please a Barnes and Noble rep.

r.a. nelson: You are so right, Amanda! Many of the names are only 1 letter off!

r.a. nelson: I loved those 'graphs you had to take out, Debra....wish they could have stayed!

Amanda: I suspect a lot of them don't read the books. I do know they go through and count the profanities. You can be reading if you're counting.

E. Lockhart: Mar, I am sure the 8th graders LOVED that. Really, I think one major thing we have to offer is ourselves as examples of people who are not afraid to SAY STUFF, whatever that stuff might be.

Debra Garfinkle: Thanks, Russ.

Dawn: Debra, what was the content?

maryann: the funny thing is any kid can get online and read the excerpts and look at the pictures - out of context, which can be pretty disturbing

Amanda: Teri, are you still there?

E. Lockhart: Debra, tell about the graphs!

WriterRoss: Barnes & Noble had a say, Deb? My g-d.

Teri: Teri is still here. Kids are in bed, so I have quiet.

Debra Garfinkle: It talked about a woman's private parts. Storky called them "lips."

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: Um, my editor suggested some toning back on the rape scene in Target, and she was right. I think people who are upset just mostly don't buy my books.

Amanda: I'm wondering what you teach your student librarians about censorship.

E. Lockhart: B&N has a lot of say in a lot. So does WalMart.

MarPerez: Thanks Emily. Sometimes, my big mouth can get me into trouble though. B&N wanted Roaring Brook to change my cover, but they wouldn't (love my editor!) Sorry, all, but I have to run. We have an open pub party next week and then Oct 4 - Second Book Ups and Downs - Lara Zeises interviews second book authors.

kimmar: I have the arc, debby. didn't realize they made you change it!

WriterRoss: E-- very depressing.

Debra Garfinkle: It was right BEFORE the erection scene. The erection scene was okay, I guess, but I couldn't mention the women's privates.

Teri: i try to teach them selection and then the difference between selection and censorship by giving them some examples.

Amanda: Can you give us a quick example or two, Teri?

r.a. nelson: My ed told me to take out the work "hard" when it appeared in the big scene, even though it didn't refer to the ...er....Ralph

WriterRoss: RUSS :}

Dawn: Amazing how specific people get when censoring.

WriterRoss: How big was that scene? <g>

r.a. nelson: ha!! ross

Debra Garfinkle: haha!

maryann: dawn - have you read, and if so, blogged about Sandpiper by Ellen Wittlinger yet?

r.a. nelson: You know, here's how clueless I can be sometimes.....

kimmar: pamela's too funny

maryann: I can't wait to hear your take.:)

Dawn: Yes - I actually wrote about Sandpiper and The Rainbow Party in the same entry.

WriterRoss: ((KIM))

E. Lockhart: Well, I mean more about packaging, in my experience. No "Bad" words on the back jacket copy, design tweaking. That kind of thing.

WriterRoss: Dawn-- is there a link you can post to your blog?

Dawn: Loved Sandpiper. The other, well...

maryann: I'll go back and check it out

r.a. nelson: I didn't realize until just a week or so ago that Mr. Mann, the teacher in my book -- his name is Richard Mann...my brother pointed out this is "Dick Mann"

Teri: i mention that there are books I find offensive but would still have in my collection. one of them is LEFT BEHIND which most of my students adore. I tell then it is anti-Semitic. I also call into question for myself some other books they love (mostly sappy romances where there is adultery). no matter if i do not like them, i would have them in the collection if they meet the needs of my population.

WriterRoss: Oh my g-d

Debra Garfinkle: That's funny, Russ!

Dawn: I'm out there at avengingsybil.typepad.com

WriterRoss: THANKS-- copying down-

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: I guess Richard Man's Ralph is called Little Richard.

Teri: Dawn's blog is to die for. Thanks, Dawn for doing this.

Amanda: Teri, that's interesting. It must be hard sometimes to separate strong feelings about a book from what's right for a collection.

r.a. nelson: hey, I've read some of your stuff! Very neat, didn't know that was you, Dawn...

r.a. nelson: HA Kathleen!

Debra Garfinkle: I was surprised that Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green made it on the BBYA top ten list. I found it to be an unrelentingly negative portrayal of Judaism, and also kind of boring.

E. Lockhart: Teri, what made you decide to begin your blog?

WriterRoss: KATHLEEN-- oh you are sooo smart!

maryann: I thought ellen used a voice that I am very familiar with, I talk to those girls every day, and maybe I see my teenage self in Piper

r.a. nelson: Hey, we need to get you on the banned lists, Kathleen

Teri: Amanda, yep. it is not about what I want but about what is good for the collection and the population. Cannot wait to read your next book.

Dawn: You guys are the best. And I agree, Maryann, Ellen is gifted in writing teenage girls.

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: Yes. sob.

Teri: I blog because folks are always asking me what I am reading. it also makes me think more about my own reading and my reaction to it. it do not have to do a review, just a response. i am loving it.

Amanda: Thanks, Teri. If you need an ARC, ask Debra. She's got my last one, and can send it to you.

Debra Garfinkle: Teri, I'd be happy to.

Teri: cool, thanks, amanda.

Debra Garfinkle: You can email me your address, okay?

maryann: I'm fascinated that kathleen isn't on the lists - bet it is that quiet censorship. Personally I have them all in my library - booktalk them too,

Teri: thanks Debra

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: thanks, maryann!

Amanda: Just...please, please, please, Teri, remember that the formatting is not as it's going to be in the finished book. PLEASE!

Debra Garfinkle: I have to go. Family dinner. Thanks for a great chat.

E. Lockhart: It is fascinating to read, and very nice to have the librarian voice out there. You teach college too?

Amanda: By, Debby. You done good.

Teri: i teach children's and ya lit to librarians and educators in my spare time.

kimmar: night all

WriterRoss: Sorry I missed the first half. This was a great discussion.

kimmar: thanks!

KathleenJeffrieJohnson: Got to sign off and go write a sex scene. This has been great! Bye, everybody.

Teri: Amanda, you know i will be kind. i love your books and you are, after all, a fellow Texan

Amanda: I must away, as well. I'm writing at night now, and it's almost time to get going.

maryann: have to cook dinner - west coast time - Hi Teri!

r.a. nelson: Kathleen, write one called Ban This Muthaf*cka ....about an intinerent bird tracker who falls in with some guys from East LA

Amanda: it was great talking to you all! Bye!

Teri: loved being here thanks

WriterRoss: Good night-- Thanks again to A "Banned" of Brothers and Sisters

E. Lockhart: Thanks you guys for a fascinating chat. Good night!