Author to address tough teen issues

POST FALLS - Chris Crutcher refers to himself as a loudmouth.

Teen issues, he believes, are too important not to speak about; muffling those challenges will only backfire on families.

"Keep the conversations going between you and your kids," said Crutcher, an author who worked for 20 years as a therapist for abused children.

Crutcher, of Spokane, will speak at the Post Falls Library at 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29. His presentation is free and open to the public.

He will discuss censorship, his works and why he brings uncomfortable subject matter into the realm of teen fiction. His presentation is geared toward both adults and teens.

"Having parents and kids in the same room opens dialogue," he said. "A lot of the time a group can answer the other group's questions."

Crutcher's books feature teens coping with serious problems, including abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disability and poverty.

Crutcher, who was raised in the timber town of Cascade, Idaho, said it's critical that teens know they are not alone.

"A lot of times, kids feel isolated," he said. "Almost every teen can find an adult who is a good witness, not judgmental and will be straight up with them."

Crutcher said kids need to feel "empowered," that they have control over their own lives. He said that point is often disputed by Christian groups.

Crutcher's presentation is for Banned Books Week, which commemorates victories over censorship and is celebrated by librarians nationwide. The official week this year is from Sept. 21-27.

Crutcher, 68, received the Margaret Edwards Award from the American Library Association in 2000 for his lifetime contribution in writing for teens.

Morgan Chevalley, Post Falls young adult specialist, said she is excited to host an author who relates to teens.

"Crutcher isn't afraid to take on difficult material," she said. "Even if readers aren't dealing with difficult situations themselves, they very likely know someone who is."

Pizza will be served during the presentation. For more information, call 773-1506.