Non-Fiction Critical Analysis!!!

In “Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood,” by Sherman Alexie, Alexie wants readers to know that the restriction of Young Adult books is a horrendous idea, and books of all kinds should be open to any child who wishes to read them. One example he gives is of how when he was a child, he read “books about monsters and monstrous things, often written with monstrous language, because they taught me how to battle the real monsters in my life.” Books are needed by Young Adults to form a trustworthy sort of sidekick. Alexie also talks about how he once met a young adult who just wanted to be himself. Just like in Alexie’s book. If Alexie’s “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” had been censored in this young man’s school, he wouldn’t have read it, wouldn’t have wished to be himself, and would’ve joined the army like his father did-instead of becoming the artist he wished to be. Next, Alexie touched upon how people like Meghan Cox Gurdon wish to “save” children from the horrors of real life, when children have really been exposed to reality their whole lives. It’s “too late.” Books can save kids from “monstrous” situations. These examples prove that “YA” Fiction should be free of all restraint.

Alexie hopes to sway readers into the mindset that Young Adult Fiction should be open to readers of all ages. Alexie achieves this by using loaded words/strong language like the example that follows: “[Kids] read because they believe, despite the callow protestations of certain adults, that books-especially the dark and dangerous ones-will save them.” Strong words can really persuade a reader. Alexie also uses figurative language (metaphors, similes, etc.). This is shown here: “I read books about monsters and monstrous things, often written with monstrous language, because they taught me how to battle the real monsters in my life.” There were no “real” monsters in his life, more like tragic, scary, grotesque events. Figurative language is very persuasive. Alexie uses many strategies to sway his readers.

After reading this article, I was left wondering why Mr. Alexie only included anecdotes from his own life? To better prove his already strong claim, he should find quotes from multiple sources. However, Sherman Alexie definitely persuaded me to join his side, and it’s not just because he’s a great author!