Maybe you’ve seen the hubbub on Twitter and Facebook and blogs, blogs, and more blogs. Ellen Hopkins, New York Times bestseller extraordinaire and writer of tales that need to be written, has been uninvited from the 2011 Humble ISD Teen Lit Fest.
I was supposed to participate in that festival, too. (As were Melissa de la Cruz, Pete Hautman, and Matt de la Pena.) I say “was” because, as of this afternoon, I and the above authors have officially withdrawn.
My letter to the man who “uninvited” Ellen follows.
Superintendent Sconzo,
From the moment Ellen Hopkins first informed me that she had been “uninvited” from the Humble ISD Teen Lit Festival, my heart has been heavy with the thought that such a disappointing thing would happen in an area which I used to call home. One of the things I loved most about living in Houston was how open and welcoming and supportive her people are. I am saddened to learn this is not always the case.
The books Ms. Hopkins writes are not the kinds of books I write, there are no mermaids or goddesses or other elements of teenage fantasy. Her books reveal a truth about the lives of modern teens and the world in which they live, no matter how much we wish the truth were otherwise. To exclude her from an event because the topics of her books might trouble some attendees (or, more likely, their parents) does not make our world any more ideal. Covering teens’ eyes and ears does not remove them from the realities of their world. And to suggest that you could do so is the epitome of conceit and naivety.
It is also, no matter which way you try to spin the situation, a blatant act of censorship. As an author and an American, I cannot give even tacit approval to this kind of suppression of free speech and free expression. The words of a most inspiring poem, “Protest” by Ella Wheeler Wilcox come time mind.
To sin by silence, when we should protest,
Makes cowards out of men.
I feel I have no option but to withdraw from the 2011 Humble ISD Teen Lit Festival.
My apologies to the students, teachers, and librarians of Humble ISD. I regret that the actions of a small-minded few will have repercussions on so many, but I cannot sin by silence when I should protest.
Sincerely,
Tera Lynn Childs
I really feel bad for the students in this situation. All they wanted was the chance to meet some great writers (trust me, Ellen Hopkins, Melissa de la Cruz, Pete Hautman, and Matt de la Pena are great writers) and maybe get some signed books. Instead, they’re missing out because a few adults think they know better.
That’s the problem with censorship, especially the kind that goes along with books. It’s usually couched in a fog of protection. As if keeping you from certain content is for your own good, and it’s really better this way. I’m especially appalled when this is applied to teen readers. Not only are teens generally way smarter and more mature and more experienced than we think, teen readers in particular are among the smartest people I know. It’s just insulting for adults in power (or those seeking power) to try to carry out their agenda waving the Because-They’re-Children and Because-We-Know-Better banners.
I couldn’t just sit by and be a part of this, and neither should you.
If you live in the Houston area and were planning to attend the Humble ISD Teen Lit Fest next year, you should write a letter to Superintendent Sconzo and tell him what you think about his actions. (I just happen to have his email address here –> guy.sconzo@humble.k12.tx.us) And I’m guessing you’re not going to say, “Thanks for doing the thinking for me. My brain sure needed a rest.”
Hugs,
TLC