"Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood" by Sherman Alexie

       The article "Why the Best Kids Books Are Written in Blood" by Sherman Alexie, is a counterargument to Megan Cox Gurdon's, "Darkness Too Visible". Gurdon's article claims that Young Adult fiction is too vulgar and inappropriate for young adults. While Alexie's article claims that the topics of these "inappropriate will not traumatize an already abused kid. I agree with Alexie's proposal, because he gives examples of his claim, Gurdon does not expand on her thoughts.
       In Alexie's article, he says "Does Ms. Gurdon honestly believe that a sexually explicit YA novel might somehow traumatize a teen mother? Does she believe that a YA novel about murder and rape will somehow shock a teenager whose life has been damaged by murder and rape? " To show that many kids have already went through these experiences. He goes on to use himself as an example of this claim. "They wanted to protect me from sex when I had already been raped. They wanted to protect me from evil though a future serial killer had already abused me." This proves his claim and is an example that he gives supporting details to his argument.
       On the contrary, Megan Cox Gurdon does not support her claims with examples. When she says "It has to do with a child's happiness, moral development and tenderness of heart." But then she never expands on this idea. She goes on to ask what do you think is a child's mind when reading a YA novel. As if she knows, but in Alexie's article, he recounts a real story of a teenager telling him what was on his mind.
       So, is YA fiction too dark? Is a good inquiry, but the way Gurdon explains it is not good enough to compare to Alexie's argument of the benefits of these books.

"Where Your Cellphone Goes to Die" by Leyla Acaroglu

     
        I don't think it would take a lot for the U.S. to recycle e-trash in a safer, more healthy way. The article talks about how countries like China and India have to deal with U.S. waste. The author also explains why sifting though e-trash can be unhealthy. And why coming up with a different way to dispose of  e-trash is really needed.
        The article says, "...covering their hands and feet with toxic flecks of it as they work." This shows that toxic things have a way to get into these boys' bodies. And that it is unhealthy to dig through e-trash, because of the chemicals. The author also said, "...lead, cadmium, and mercury... can cause neurological damage..." The author explains how the toxins affect the children and women in India.
        According to the author, the U.S. has tried to lower the amount of e-trash that we send to other countries. The article says, "The Responsible Electronic Recycling Act... would make it illegal to export toxic waste from the U.S." So they have tried to change their ways., but apparently it isn't enough. For the quote goes on to explain that congress never voted on it.
      This is the author's argument, change the U.S. e-trash ways. I agree with her, the government should try harder. People are suffering from sickness just to get a little bit of money. We need to at least help them in some way.

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

         In my book, there are alot of issues around violence. The characters must find a way to deal with them. And sometimes they're not always dealt with in the right way.
         On page 28, Tessa had to escape the Dark Sisters. But she might have been too violent to Miranda, the clockwork maid. "... and swung it with all her might at Miranda's head. It connected with a sickening sound." Tessa might have done too much here.
        Then, on page 31, the Dark Sisters are very cruel to Tessa. They use Nathaniel's, Tessa's brother, life to get her to do what they want. "Nathaniel will not be so fortunate." They bribed Tessa using the death of her brother.
         So, problems in my book are dealt with using brutality and cruelty. I think the way the characters deal with things to rashly and could be dealt with better.