Argument Essay #1

    Argument Essay 1st Draft
By: Joshua Williams
Class: 812

     Do you ever get the feeling that you want to know what kind of problems you may face in your future? Well, the realistic fictional book, “The Perks of being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, can answer that question and allow you to see what kind of troubles and misadventures a teenager faces. Although there is one problem. The book,”The Perks of being a Wallflower” is currently being considered by a panel of parents as unacceptable for middle schoolers to read. I believe that this book should not be banned from middle school libraries because it gives realistic examples of issues and situations that may occur in high school. Furthermore, it gives positive resolutions for kids on how to deal with problems and can help them understand potential issues that they may face one day. Even though the text includes occasional situations concerning child abuse, sexual activity and drug usage; there are examples that are outlined in the book that give positive resolutions to the aforementioned situations about what they shouldn’t expose themselves to. Due to the inappropriate dialogue and adult situations in this book,I believe the appropriate audience for this story would be kids who are at least in 8th grade (PG-13) or high schoolers. However, some parents think that this book should be banned from all school kids, including those in high school as well as middle school. My following argument will substantiate why,”The Perks of being a Wallflower” should not be banned.
      One reason why this book should not be banned is because it potentially sets good examples as to what happens to kids that do drugs and may be drinking at an inappropriate age. If students see how the inappropriate use of drugs and alcohol effects the lives of the characters, then maybe they will think twice before they also try out drugs and drinking. I believe that this book can set a good example for kids and therefore sets a positive life lesson for middle schoolers and above.
     Another reason why this book should not be banned is that it teaches kids to stand up for themselves as well as others whom are being bullied. Kids who read this book will notice that there are characters who have committed suicide from being bullied or from peer pressure. Kids need to learn how serious a problem this can become for themselves, as well as for others. In the future kids will need to learn how to speak up for themselves or for someone else being bullied.
     One final example to why this book should not be banned is that it demonstrates how actions have consequences. If kids see other examples of inappropriate premature sexual activity, then the book will demonstrate the consequences of having sex at a premature age. The struggles that the characters face will reflect onto the reader. This helps to show how this book gives positive resolutions to everyday problems making the book a valuable lessons in life’s’ journey for middle school aged children and above.
     In conclusion, my argument as to whether or not the book,”The Perks of being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, is that this book is appropriate for middle school kids and above.  I believe that middle school kids should have access to this book because it sets a good example for what kids should and shouldn't expose themselves to. This book can help kids to choose the appropriate paths in real life.