Reflecting 'connections between all human beings'

 

“When you're watching somebody read your material and they smile and nod, you know you've found that place where your experience and their experience match, even though they aren't the same exact experience.” –  Chris Crutcher

 

Born in Ohio on July 17, 1946 Crutcher combined a successful career as a family therapist with an equally successful career as a writer for teens, earning the coveted Margaret Edwards Award (recognition for writing for teens) from the American Library Association (ALA) in the process.  

 

Many of his novels concern teenaged athletes who face major problems and get help and support from wise, caring adults.   Despite threats of censorship because of his sometime graphic depictions, Crutcher has tackled issues like abusive parents, racial and religious prejudice, mental and physical disability, and crushing poverty in his 14 YA books – 8 of which have been named in the ALA’s annual “Best Books for Young Adults” category. 

 

His books also have earned awards from the Catholic Library Association and the National Council of Teachers of English, and praise from millions of teenage readers. One of his most honored books is Deadline, the story of a high school senior dying from a rare blood disease who has kept it a secret so he can pack a lifetime of full living into his last year of life.

 

 “What I hope my writing reflects... is a sense of the connections between all human beings... and a different perspective on the true nature of courage,” Crutcher said.   “For me, those are things worth exploring and writing about.”