Argument Essay

Many teens around the world like Hannah Baker have been used and mistreated but nobody does anything about it. In “Thirteen Reasons Why” by Jay Asher Hannah Baker has had enough of all her troubles and decided to end her life. Jay Asher’s novel is currently being challenged due to it’s content. Even though containing suicide, alcohol, drug use, offensive language, rape, and sexually explicit content it should not be banned from middle schools because it can help teens realize the consequences for every action or inaction and people can relate to Hannah which can get them to get support. 

 
       Content in the book can be inappropriate for young adults who would read the book. Some scenes in the book contain sexual content. For example in one scene in the book Hannah was in a hot tub with a boy named Bryce who rapped her. “ Your pinky made it’s way under the top of my panties...Then another finger slipped below pushing your finger further down...You started kissing my shoulder, my neck, sliding your fingers in and out.” Sections like this in the book can be too explicit for teens. Also Hannah is being mistreated in this section of the book. Some may say that the book is inappropriate but from this young adults can see how people are not treated right, and how that is not right. “Outside of the pages, readers can also reflect on [the] circumstances.” This book can really make you look deeper into the story. Young Adults can learn valuable lessons from the book. Young adults can learn a lot about how to deal with hardships. 

 
       Young adults can learn from the book to realize how inactions can really affect someone in a negative way. In the book many people didn’t stand up for Hannah, or they just didn’t listen. For example, Clay Jenson knew about the rumors and most of Hannah’s troubles. He knew what could happen but he did nothing. Also in another scene in the book Hannah went to talk to a teacher about how she wants to end her life. She was with him then she left, “ His door is closed behind me. It’s staying closed. A pause. He’s not coming.” The teacher knew Hannah’s problems but didn’t help. This shows how much that even inactions can do to effect some one’s life.   

 
       Young adults can relate to Hannah’s struggles and if needed, get support. Many people have gone through what Hannah did. It can be very hard for some people. An article stated that from the book young adults can see how bad things could get so that, “ Many of them, thankfully they reach out...to talk about these feelings and get the help they need.” So many people have attempted to commit suicide. An article stated that the amount of people that attempt to commit suicide in a year is, “Approximately 750,000.” That is a lot of people. This information shows    how much people go through the same struggles as Hannah.  This is why so many people can relate to the book. Young adults can find a way to change or get help when reading the book. 

 
       Some may say to challenge the book others say not to. Questionable content is in the book but teens can learn many things from the questionable content. From consequences to saving your life. Jay Asher’s novel should stay on the book shelfs in middle school libraries. Young adults should have the freedom to read the books that they want to read.