User:Mil2trill/sandbox

Article Evaluation: "The Perks of Being a Wallflower"

• Everything in the article relevant -- nothing that was distracting or strayed from the original topic

• Not a lot of bias; presented both sides of the controversy in separate paragraphs without any clear leaning towards one side or another
  • Viewpoints were represented fairly equally, although there was a little more emphasis on the positive feedback for the book (makes sense though b/c there was MORE positive feedback than negative)

• The first paragraph of the article seems more like the intro to an essay rather than an encyclopedia
• Maybe link some of the themes stated in the first section like introversion and sexuality, also drugs like tobacco and alcohol, and suicide
  • should also link to Rocky from the Rocky Horror Show -- also maybe some information on college preparatory programs (if any)
  • Also maybe a link to the definition of molestation so readers have insight into what happened to Charlie
  • link for the definition of realism
  • Also, a link for the schools mentioned in the publication and reception section
  • However, links are relevant and offer deeper insight into some of the ideas presented -- also relevant to the topic and only add to the information presented
• In background section, there are a lot of quotations used -- while this isn't necessarily bad it also seems like a section of quotes
• facts seem to be represented well with citations -- sources are reliable
  • mainly from news articles, magazine articles, and interviews with Chbosky
• Considered a good article by wikipedia
• Unlike our classroom discussions, the article doesn't delve deep into reasonings behind controversy of the book
• "that somewhere in that ... was the kid I was really trying to find" -- unclear statement from the author's interview whether it is in reference to himself or the protagonist

Questions:

1. What are some of the most common reasons for the book's challenging and what is the justification for those challenges?
2. Chbosky says he draws a lot of the story from his own experiences as a child, but what reasons did he have for having molestation serve as a large part of the plot?

Article editing:

Publication and reception:

Objections to the book include the use of "profanity", "drug abuse", "sexually explicit" scenes, and "torture". Groups like PABBIS (Parents Against Bad Books in School) work to restrict literature considered "controversial" from being accessed by younger children, and moved to the adult section. In 2009, Perks was repeatedly challenged for descriptions of masturbation, sexually explicit conduct, drug use, and talk of suicide. There have been multiple pushes across the United States to move this literary work from the young adults section to the adults section in order to regulate access to the book.

Furthermore, parents have raised issues with the novel for it's "pornographic" content and "vulgarity", but others have argued that the book deals with real teen issues that deal with growing up, so it presents a realistic viewpoint. Furthermore, issues surrounding the books themes of homosexuality, as well as a "glorification" of the use of drugs and alcohol.

Background and writing:

... he was experiencing an unpleasant breakup...

...referring to self love, encompassing one's life and hopes for the future, and not just romantic love...

...In the novel, Chbosky included much of his own memories from his time in Pittsburgh. The other characters were all manifestations of people the author had known throughout his life. Chbosky.... attempting to pin down the very nature of each of the characters...

http://www.marshall.edu/library/bannedbooks/books/perks.asp

http://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=1525

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/03/27/perks-of-being-wallflower-ban-kamloops_n_5045524.html

http://www.pabbis.com/

Drama article edits:

Lead Section:

Drama is a graphic novel written by Raina Telgemeier and released in September of 2012. Telgemeier, an American cartoonist, centers the story on Callie, a middle schooler and theater-lover who works in her school's drama production crew. She deals with teen hardship, confusing crushes, and budding friendships. Drama is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, teamwork, acceptance of differences, and creative fulfillment through Callie and her relationship with the people around her. The novel has received both praise and critiques, and has appeared in many challenges across the United States for inclusion of LGBTQ characters, landing it in the list of the top 10 most challenged books.

Summary:

Drama follows Callie Marin, a seventh-grader at Eucalyptus Middle School. The novel opens with Callie and Greg, her long-time crush and the brother of one of her good friends, Matt. Callie confesses her feelings for Greg, and they share a kiss. In school, Callie joins the stage crew for the production of Moon over Mississippi as the set designer. Later, when she tries to find Greg, he blows her off before telling her that he and his ex-girlfriend, Bonnie, are hanging out again. The following week, Callie proposes her ideas for the set design and suggests making a cannon that actually shoots. There is some doubt voiced by her peers, but Callie promises to both them and herself that she can create one. Later on, while hanging up posters for the musical, Callie meets twins Justin and Jesse. Justin is eager to try out for the musical but Jessie tells Callie that he is too shy. The next day, Callie and Matt are working on set design when Liz, another of Callie's good friends, asks them to accompany her to the basement because she is scared to go alone. On the way back up, they bump into Greg, where an awkward exchange occurs. Later on, Callie runs into the twins who invite her to go to the mall with them. Callie wants to walk past the baseball field with the two boys before leaving to make Greg jealous and it nearly backfires before Justin steps in. At the mall, Callie shows Jesse a book about set designs and describes her love for theatre production and her dreams for the future. As they wait for the twins' father to pick them up, Jesse and Justin sing one of the songs from the musical. Callie realizes that both boys have serious talent and urges Jesse to try out too, but he refuses. Callie then asks him to work on stage crew with her, which he enthusiastically accepts. The next day, an angry Matt confronts Callie, who is confused over his sudden aggression. At lunch, she sits with Justin, who tells Callie that he is gay. Callie is a little surprised, but accepting of him nonetheless. The next day are auditions for the musical and Callie watches on with Jesse. The lead role is taken by West Redding, and Justin is upset. That night, Callie recalls how her love for theatre production began when her mother took her to see Les Miserables. The next day, Callie and the other stage crew members are working on set production when Jesse and her take a snack break and Jesse reveals how he wants Justin to have his time to shine. Some days later, the stage crew accompanies Liz down to the basement again, where they find Bonnie and West kissing. Sometime later, Liz and Callie are hanging out and Callie confesses her crush on Jesse. Liz tells her to ask Jesse to the dance, and Jesse enters the room shortly after. That night, Callie texts Jesse and asks if he wants to go to the bookstore with her, to which he never replies. The next day, Jesse is waiting at her locker and accepts the request in person. After school, Callie meets up with Jesse and Justin and their father who takes them to the bookstore. Upon waiting to be picked up, Callie asks if the twins' father knows that Justin is gay, to which Justin tells her no. The next day, Callie runs into Greg again and they exchange conversation about the upcoming dance, which Callie wishes for Jesse to ask her to. Callie is then busy with preparing for the musical, going through rehearsals and successfully trying to figure out the cannon. When sales for the production are low, she demonstrates her cannon in front of the student body and generates a lot of excitement. The opening night of the musical is a success, but the second night is marred after West breaks up with Bonnie. Bonnie locks herself in a supply closet after one of the acts and refuses to come back out. The stage crew is in panic before Jesse dresses up as a girl and goes on instead of Bonnie. He performs well and then he and West share a kiss. Jesse is praised for his performance and then asks Callie to the dance. At the dance, Jesse disappears for a long time before Callie finds him, talking to West outside. He implies to Callie that he is gay, and Callie storms off after he makes a comment about her falling in love with every nice guy. Callie bumps into Greg and they go for a walk, where Greg tries to kiss Callie again but she refuses. Later, Callie meets with Justin where he apologizes and thanks her. Matt confesses his crush on Callie that made him jealous and caused him to lash out, Liz forgives Callie for choosing a boy over her, and Callie is named stage crew manager for the following year, much to her excitement.