Glen Ellyn D41 removes 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' from school shelves

      The Chicago Tribune’s article, Glen Ellyn D41 removes 'Perks of Being a Wallflower' from school shelves, by Quang Truong talks about how the book, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, has been removed from classroom libraries in Glen Ellyn school in District 41. This book was banned because of parent complaints that stated that this book was inappropriate for 8^th graders because of sexual content and drug usage. The author mentions this at first, but gives many details to show that he believes that 8^th graders, and their parents, are the ones who need to make decisions about what books they read. He mentions many parents who have opinions on this book. He quotes them in the article to support the idea that teens need to be able to choose their own books. He even quotes a mother who bought a copy for her and her daughter. This mom argued that books are a good and safe way to encounter “life’s difficult situations.”

     Quang Truong uses craft move to make points stronger and to make readers think. Truong uses opinions from parents to show and support his opinion on The Perks of Being a Wallflower. But the author also includes quotes from people who oppose it and reasons why they would oppose it. This is just like a counterclaim. While there is no distinct paragraph from the counterclaim, many details were sprinkled throughout the article explaining why The Perks of Being a Wallflower if inappropriate for teens in middle school. He also quotes parents of kids who attend Glen Ellyn Middle School. These are valuable sources and quotes because they prove a point and they are real and valid.