The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
ISBN:0-671-02734-4
Author Stephen Chbosky
Publisher MTV Books, 1998

Plot Summary: The teen writing chooses to use the name Charlie, we are not sure it is his name. Charlie opens his diary discussing Michael, his friend who recently committed suicide. Charlie feels emotional and even cries. Charlie is a Freshman and a wallflower. He lurks away from the crowds and wonders what they are thinking as he thinks and thinks. The book is a series of letters to an undisclosed friend, whom he claims to trust.

Charlie becomes increasingly depressed. He tries drugs, and moves into a bit of a fog. His family and friends notice.

A teacher helps Charlie realize he has potential and helps him to focus an stay positive.

Critical Evaluation: When Charlie deals with Michael's death we see authentic and raw emotion. It is natural for kids to grieve for their friends, even boys. The exploration of Charlie's full range of emotions allows readers to appreciate the normalcy in their pain and frustration in a time when their brains and hormones are all forming.

Author: Chbosky grew up in Pittsburgh was born and attended University of Southern California's Film and Writing Program. He now lives in New York.

Genre: YA novel

Curriculum Ties: Creative Writing

Booktalking Ideas:
1.) Why are we uncomfortable when boy/men cry?
2.) Why is suicide harder than a natural death to grieve over?
3.) Do you think Charlie will be a wallflower next year?

Challenge issues: sex, drugs, depression, suicide
Defense:
I would explain policies for selection for San Diego County Libraries:

http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.41_material-selection.pdf
If after my working to convince the patron, they still were not satisfied and wanted to file a grievance, I would provide the needed paper work and then it would go to the “Challenged Materials” team for San Diego County and then onward until there is resolution: http://dbpcosdcsgt.co.san-diego.ca.us/screens/Intranet/policy/sdcl-policy_O.34_intellectual_freedom.pdf

Selection: On YALSA, they discuss this book for a conference: http://yalsa.ala.org/blog/author/ifcommittee/page/2/

This book also is creative in its format and it subject matter might be difficult, but it is well- written and important to discuss.




Age level/ Grade level: 15 and up/ 9th grade and up

Challenge Issues: Sexual feelings, drugs, suicide, depression