Last week, A.S. King came to Castilleja through a Skype call! For those who are not familiar with the name, A.S. King is a Young Adult Fiction author, who has written many high-quality books, including Everybody Sees the Ants, Reality Boy, Dust of 100 Dogs, Glory O’Brien’s History of the Future, Please Ignore Vera Dietz, and Ask the Passengers. Unlike many authors, A.S. King does not plan out her books but instead starts off with a character, then builds the story from there. Please Ignore Vera Dietz, her second novel, revolves around Vera Dietz, who sees more than she says. When she is the only one who actually knows how her best friend Charlie dies, she doesn’t know whether she has the courage or desire to clear his name. This novel won the 2011 Michael L. Printz Award Honor Book, as well as an Edgar Allen Poe Award nominee for “Best Young Adult”.

During the Skype interview, students learned about the dangers of censorship as well as freedom of speech. The 8th graders gained interesting insight from A.S. King’s responses and opinions.  Many people admired how she was able to speak the truth without hesitation and regret, and the 8th grade sent letters to thank Ms. King for taking the time to speak with them.

Although each student had their own, unique impression of A.S. King’s powerful words, the entire grade was inspired to contemplate censorship, freedom of thought, knowledge, and the reigning controversy as to how to balance all three.

By Minhee C., ’20