In the battle over banning books, concerned parents and pundits argue that against sharing frank and vivid descriptions of challenges like alcoholism and abuse are best with our children. Ali Velshi and Jeannette Walls, author of The Glass Castle, contend that children are better served by exposure to reality.

Velshi calls The Glass Castle a masterclass in the thought-provoking memoir. chronicling Walls’ abusive, dysfunctional childhood, while still painting a picture of her parents that includes nuance and love. Walls and her siblings faced bullying, hunger, homelessness and sexual abuse. Many children share these terrible experiences, and suffer in shame and silence, unaware they are not alone. Concerned adults who feel the subject matter is inappropriate for young people are ignoring how important it is for kids to see themselves in stories about how ugly real life can be.

“The way to protect children is not to put them in a bubble … Give them the tools,” insists Walls. “It’s very empowering to these kids to know I’m not the only one going through it.”

Listen to Velshi’s interview with Jeannette Walls:

Watch Velshi and Walls on The Glass Castle‘s stark portrayal of a dysfunctional family:

Velshi on banned books on MSNBC:

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