Meet Chris Crutcher: Super Author and Adolescent Advocate

Articles in this Topic Discussions in this Topic

Aug 1, 2004

If you have never heard of Chris Crutcher or read any of his books, you are someone who is not familiar with the world of young adult literature. That is OK, but today is the day you will get a quick education. Crutcher's works are some of the best and most controversial books that are read my young adults of today.

For someone who confesses to only reading one book in high school cover-to-cover, Chris Crutcher has done just fine. He bears witness to the fact that one book can change a life.

Chris's books can be life changing. Most deal with the reality many teens face daily. Adoption, racial and interracial issues, child abuse, anger, bullying and other controversial issues. Chris draws from his many years as a child and family therapist for some of his in- spiration.

Chris's award-winning books touch the lives of teens. Chris was awarded the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edward's award in 2000 for his dedication to making the lives of teens better. The National Council of Teachers of English also awarded Chris their Intellectual Freedom Award in 1998 for his commitment to free speech. Chris has also been honored by "The Writer", for his significant contributions to the field of writing. Chris is among the 3rd group ofrecipients of the Writers Who Make a Difference Award.

Chris's books have the dubious distinction to be among books banned for their controversial content. "Whale Talk" has been banned for language and his book of short stories, "Athletic Shorts", has been banned because of language and references to gay relationships and racism.

Chris recently had his laugh-out-loud memoir, "King of the Mild Frontier: An Ill-advised Autobiography" published. He tells childhoos stories that are hilarious about his life growing up in the 50's in Cascade, Idaho. This book has also won the 2003 Cuffie Award for being the "Best Novel for Teens that Adults Would Read if Only They Knew About It."

Chris is also a monthly columnist at iParenting.com where he offers his expert advise on children, youth and family issues. He currently lives in Spokane, Washington.

Please visit Chris's super web-site that is chock full of information.

http://www.chriscrutcher.com

http://iparenting.com/experts/bios/crutc...

A few of Chris's books and awards:

"Ironman" Best Books for Young Adults 1996

"Whale Talk" Washington State Book Award 2002 Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award 2002 and many more

"Staying Fat for Sarah Brynes" Best Books for Young Adults, Best Book of the Year (School Library Journal)

"Athletic Shorts" Best Books for Young Adult Readers 1992

Go To Page: 1 2 3 4 5