Katherine Paterson on the Risks We Must Undertake for Literature
October 03, 2012
The celebrated author, whose works have been banned and challenged throughout her nearly 50-year career, discusses responding to her censors, the issues inherent to banning books meant for children, and "what we need to risk for literature" in a Banned Books Week interview with Guernica.
"I suggest that parents read these challenging (and challenged) books and use them for opportunities to talk about difficult subjects with their child. We need to remind ourselves that any book that has power also has the power to offend. Those of us who want children to experience the power of great literature to nourish and inspire need to take that risk."