M.E. Kerr

M.E. Kerr (1927-2022) was an American author who wrote over 20 young adult novels and was known for tackling complex social issues that other writers avoided during the 1970s and beyond. Writing under both M.E. Kerr and Mary James, her work addressed themes of sexuality, social class, religion, and prejudice. Her breakthrough novel Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! (1972) established her as a distinctive voice in young adult literature, while later works like Gentlehands (1978) and Night Kites (1986) continued to push boundaries in the genre. Her novel Deliver Us from Evie (1994) was one of the first young adult books to feature a lesbian protagonist. Kerr received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the American Library Association's Margaret A. Edwards Award in 1993 for her lifetime contribution to young adult literature. Her work under her legal name, Marijane Meaker, included adult fiction and memoir writing, notably the 2003 memoir Highsmith: A Romance of the 1950s about her relationship with author Patricia Highsmith. Her influence on young adult literature extended beyond her own works, as she taught writing at Hartwick College and served as a mentor to emerging authors. Many of her books remain in print and continue to be studied for their groundbreaking approach to controversial subjects in young adult fiction.

Readers consistently highlight Kerr's ability to write complex teenage characters who deal with real-world issues. Her direct writing style and refusal to provide neat resolutions resonates with readers who appreciate stories that mirror life's complications. What readers liked: - Authentic dialogue and characterization - Honest portrayal of difficult topics - Characters who feel three-dimensional - Subtle humor mixed with serious themes What readers disliked: - Dated references and language in older works - Abrupt endings that leave questions unanswered - Some found the pacing slow - Secondary characters sometimes underdeveloped Ratings across platforms: Goodreads averages: - Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack!: 3.8/5 (1,200+ ratings) - Gentlehands: 3.7/5 (800+ ratings) - Night Kites: 3.9/5 (400+ ratings) - Deliver Us from Evie: 3.8/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon reviews praise her "unflinching honesty" and "respect for teenage readers' intelligence." Multiple reviewers note her works helped them process difficult situations in their own lives.

Dinky Hocker Shoots Smack! (1972) A 15-year-old girl gains weight and acts out to get attention from her mother, who is too focused on helping teen drug addicts.

If I Love You, Am I Trapped Forever? (1973) High school senior Alan Bennett navigates social status and first love when a new student arrives at his school.

Is That You, Miss Blue? (1975) A student at a religious boarding school forms a complex relationship with an unusual teacher who claims to communicate with God.

Gentlehands (1978) A teenage boy's summer romance becomes complicated when he discovers his grandfather's Nazi past.

Little Little (1981) Two teens with dwarfism deal with family expectations and a growing relationship while preparing for college.

Night Kites (1986) A teenager's life changes when his older brother returns home with AIDS during the early years of the epidemic.

Fell (1987) A high school student becomes entangled in the lives of a mysterious family while working at their mansion.

Deliver Us from Evie (1994) A farming family struggles with change when their daughter comes out as lesbian in their conservative rural community.

Blood on the Forehead: What I Know About Writing (1998) A non-fiction guide about writing techniques and experiences based on Kerr's career as an author.

What Became of Her (2000) A teenage boy becomes involved with an eccentric wealthy woman who carries around a life-sized doll she claims is her dead daughter.

Robert Cormier writes about teenagers facing dark themes and moral conflicts in novels like The Chocolate War. His characters deal with institutional power, manipulation, and complex choices similar to Kerr's protagonists.

Nancy Garden focuses on LGBTQ+ teen characters navigating identity and acceptance in realistic settings. She addresses controversial social issues head-on while examining family dynamics and first love.

Paul Zindel creates character-driven stories about teenagers dealing with dysfunctional families and personal struggles. His work features outsider protagonists and explores themes of alienation and self-discovery.

Chris Crutcher writes about teens confronting serious issues including abuse, mental health, and social injustice. His characters face harsh realities while maintaining their sense of humor and humanity.

Francesca Lia Block combines realism with elements of magical realism in stories about teenage outcasts and artists. Her work examines sexuality, identity, and relationships through complex characters dealing with real-world problems.