Since 2023, 40% of books have been pulled from bookshelves because their content includes protagonists or prominent secondary characters of color. Sherman Alexie, author of the article, “Why the Best Kids Books are Written in Blood”, and award-winning novel, “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”, illustrates why censoring young adult novels restricts students' exposure to different experiences and challenges that others may face; as well as the capability to sympathize and acknowledge controversial themes in young adult novels. As a result, it reflects how they respond to their problems. Sherman Alexie contends against the banning and censorship of young adult books by utilizing rhetorical devices, pathos, and anecdotes. In the article, “Why the Best Kids Books are Written in Blood”, the author uses the rhetorical device of pathos, to persuade readers that young adult books provide …show more content…
For instance, the author explains how young adult books containing graphic details help students persevere and connect through their problems. He explains, “I read books about monsters and monstrous things, often written in monstrous language because they taught me how to battle the real monsters in my life.” (Alexie, 25). The rhetorical device Pathos was used to convince the reader that young adult novels give the youth a way to personally connect through their traumatic experiences. Young adult books containing sensitive topics guide students on how to face their conflicts. As a result, students continue to learn and grow as a person after reading young adult novels. Furthermore, Sherman Alexie addresses the effect his novels had on students’ lives where after he spoke at an elite private school, a student came up to him and shared a personal conflict he was having. The