Young-adult author to relate experiences with censorship

Young-adult author Chris Crutcher knows all about censorship. Some of his books have been banned in some schools.

Crutcher will speak at 6:30 p.m. today in Jackson about censorship and book banning. The presentation in the Jackson High School library is open to the public.

The author, who has counseled troubled adolescents in Spokane, Wash., will speak at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Central High School library. In addition, Crutcher will speak to classes at Jackson High School today and to Cape Central classes Wednesday.

The YELL literacy foundation is sponsoring the public presentations.

Some critics object to the rough language in Crutcher's books and subjects such as teen pregnancy, abortion, suicide and child abuse.

In November 1998, Crutcher received the Intellectual Freedom Award from the National Council of Teachers of English for his efforts in defending young-adult literature against censorship challenges.

His most recent book is "The Sledding Hill." It addresses book censorship and book banning.