Assignment 3: challenged book- Whale Talk

I really enjoyed Chris Crutcher's Whale Talk. I chose it from the list of challenged books in our text. Why was it challenged? here is my guess after reading - language (appropriate for the characters and in context), tales of troubled backgrounds to include domestic violence, accidents resulting in death, some reference to sex, racial bullying. There are some great messages in this book - misfits finding a place to belong, breaking through surfaces in relationships, redemption and forgiveness. Although it is probably too mature and harsh for most middle schoolers, it would be an excellent book for high school - especially in a classroom where some great discussion to could unfold. I look forward to reading some of Crutcher's other stuff.