About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is beginning to question the complexities of the adult world, particularly the tension between protecting people from harm and protecting the right to free expression. Nat Hentoff delivers a sophisticated look at how a high school community fractures when a group of parents and students attempts to ban Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn from the curriculum due to its use of racial slurs. It is an ideal choice for parents who want to move beyond black-and-white thinking, as it explores the valid pain caused by historical racism alongside the principles of the First Amendment. This story centers on themes of civic duty, integrity, and the courage required to stand up for one's beliefs, even when they are unpopular. It is best suited for readers aged 12 and up who are ready for nuanced, realistic dialogue about social justice and intellectual freedom.
