Henry Gregor Felsen Criticism
Henry Gregor Felsen, an American novelist and journalist, was a pioneering figure in young adult literature, noted for infusing his novels with the depth and realism typically reserved for adult fiction. Writing under his name and pseudonym Angus Vicker, Felsen tackled themes like war, death, and sexuality with a frankness that challenged the conventions of his time, as he avoided didacticism and sentimentality. His protagonists often differed from traditional heroes, with stories that did not always conclude happily. Hot Rod, one of his most renowned works, is considered a foundational young adult novel that sparked a genre focused on adolescent issues in the 1950s, as noted by Howard Pease.
Felsen's early works, including Struggle Is Our Brother, were widely praised for their adventurous narratives and honest depictions of war, striking a balance that engaged both young and adult readers. Critics like May Lamberton Becker and Ellen Lewis Buell have commended these works for their realistic portrayals of courage and resilience.
His Bertie series marked a shift towards including social themes, featuring a protagonist whose journey was appreciated for its humor and perceptiveness, even if some found the character overly idealized, as discussed by critics such as Florence W. Butler and Margaret C. Scoggin.
Felsen's work often depicted adolescents in dire situations that propelled them towards maturity, particularly in his series on teenage drivers. These stories served as cautionary tales about reckless driving, and were lauded for their educational value despite their stark narratives, as argued by Ellen Lewis Buell and others.
His novel Two and the Town addressed the sensitive issue of teenage pregnancy and forced marriage, igniting controversy but ultimately gaining recognition for its realistic and insightful treatment, as highlighted by Learned T. Bulman. While some criticized Felsen for his occasionally didactic tone, his commitment to addressing real-world issues and his empathetic understanding of youth experiences ensure his works remain relevant and impactful.
Contents
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Books for Young People: 'Struggle Is Our Brother'
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In the following essay, May Lamberton Becker contends that Henry Gregor Felsen's "Struggle Is Our Brother" successfully bridges the gap between juvenile and adult fiction by depicting the harsh realities of war in a way that is accessible to young readers, focusing on action and heroism rather than psychological complexities.
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New Books for Younger Readers: 'Struggle Is Our Brother'
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In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell commends "Struggle Is Our Brother" for its portrayal of courage during wartime, noting that while it may not be literature of lasting significance, it vividly illustrates the resilience of young Russians and is essential reading for young Americans.
- Alice M. Jordan
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America in Action
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In the following essay, Frances C. Darling commends Henry Gregor Felsen's "Some Follow the Sea" for its authentic and detailed portrayal of the Merchant Marine, emphasizing the realistic depiction of young Chris Hollister's journey and the psychological transformation required to face the sudden dangers confronted by inexperienced sailors.
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Flying Correspondent
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In the following essay, Jane Cobb and Helen Dore Boylston praise Henry Gregor Felsen's "Flying Correspondent" for its exciting narrative and realistic dialogue, contrasting it favorably with the heroic stereotypes of earlier war stories.
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New Books Appraised: 'Bertie Takes Care'
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In the following essay, Florence W. Butler discusses Henry Gregor Felsen's "Bertie Takes Care," highlighting its appeal to junior high school boys and noting its portrayal of racial and social unity, despite some character elements that may seem unrealistic to adults.
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Books for Young People: 'Bertie Takes Care'
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In the following essay, Scoggin praises "Bertie Takes Care" by Henry Gregor Felsen for its unique portrayal of a fat boy as the protagonist, acknowledging the blend of humor and earnestness in conveying the experience of its main character.
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Teen-Age Trouble
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In the following essay, F. C. Smith discusses how Henry Gregor Felsen's depiction of Bertie Poddle in "Bertie Makes a Break" uses humor and understanding to explore the challenges of adolescence, focusing on themes of maturity and self-discovery amidst the protagonist's involvement in a swindle.
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New Books Appraised: 'Bertie Makes a Break'
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In the following essay, Ruth M. McEvoy praises Henry Gregor Felsen's Bertie Makes a Break for its engaging and humorous narrative, highlighting the protagonist's struggle with poverty and subsequent redemption, while considering it superior to Felsen's previous works in the series.
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Teen-Age Drivers
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In the following essay, Howard Pease argues that Henry Gregor Felsen's book "Hot Rod" vividly portrays teenage drivers' recklessness while offering a compelling narrative that balances action and a potent message on road safety, making it an essential read for both teenagers and adults.
- Ralph Adams Brown
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Books for Boys and Girls: 'Two and the Town'
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In the following essay, Bechtel evaluates "Two and the Town" by Henry Gregor Felsen as a junior novel for boys, highlighting its lack of sentimentality and its potential to provoke discussion, but suggests it might be too naïve to resonate with those who would benefit most from its moral lessons.
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Children's Books: 'Two and the Town'
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In the following essay, Learned T. Bulman argues that Henry Gregor Felsen's novel Two and the Town, despite its controversial reception, is a necessary work for its realistic portrayal of the emotional complexities surrounding youth, sex, and marriage, and should be widely accessible in libraries to educate and caution teenagers.
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Speed Happy
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In the following essay, Ellen Lewis Buell critiques Henry Gregor Felsen's novel "Street Rod," emphasizing its dual nature as both a compelling story and a cautionary tract about the dangers of reckless teenage driving, culminating in a tragic ending that defies typical junior novel conventions to deliver a powerful moral message.
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Books for Boys and Girls: 'Street Rod'
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In the following essay, Louise S. Bechtel reviews Henry Gregor Felsen's "Street Rod," highlighting its insightful portrayal of adolescent emotions and social dynamics among car-obsessed teenagers, while emphasizing the potential of the book to educate both young readers and adults about the significant influence of peer pressure and ambition.
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Reckless Youth
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In the following essay, Alice N. Hungerford praises Henry Gregor Felsen's "Street Rod" for its compelling narrative that addresses the dangers of reckless driving among teens, highlighting the author's skillful depiction of adolescent boredom and the inevitable urge to prove oneself, culminating in a powerful and alarming conclusion.
- Learned T. Bulman
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Author's Goal: Explaining Teen-Agers to Themselves
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In the following essay, Felsen argues that the primary role of writing for young people is to help them understand their own emotions and experiences, particularly in the context of the automobile's influence on adolescent life, emphasizing that his stories aim to reflect the harsh realities young readers face to assist them in navigating their complex identities within society.
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'Boy Gets Car'
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In the following essay, Alice N. Hungerford examines Felsen's "Boy Gets Car," highlighting the novel's exploration of a young boy's yearning for independence symbolized through car ownership, and lauds Felsen's detailed depiction and the nuanced father-son relationship.
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Raccoon Forks … Or Raveloe
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In the following essay, Donna Haglin argues that Henry Gregor Felsen's novel Crash Club skillfully employs suggestion and figurative language to convey complex themes, avoiding overt exposition and simplistic resolutions often found in teenage literature.
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The Book Review: 'To My Son in Uniform'
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In the following essay, Sheridan praises Henry Gregor Felsen's To My Son in Uniform for its thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of military life, highlighting its utility for young men entering service and their parents without resorting to moralizing or sentimentality.
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Junior High Up: 'A Teen-ager's First Car'
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In the following essay, Robert M. Hilton argues that Henry Gregor Felsen's book "A Teen-ager's First Car" is an essential read for teenagers, providing them with honest insights and useful advice on car ownership, including sales, contracts, insurance, repairs, and safety, while also capturing the interest of parents.
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Teaching Materials: 'Three Plus Three'
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In the following essay, Emanuel Raff praises Henry Gregor Felsen's Three Plus Three for its effective and engaging approach to teaching scriptwriting, highlighting its clear explanations, student-inviting questions, and avoidance of dullness in presenting the challenges of adapting short stories into film scripts.
- Barbara Campbell
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Medicine: 'Can You Do It Until You Need Glasses? The Different Drug Book'
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In the following essay, K. Anthony Edwards argues that while Henry Gregor Felsen's Can You Do It Until You Need Glasses? The Different Drug Book employs humor to engage readers, its effectiveness in deterring drug use is limited, suggesting that parental involvement and healthy lifestyle choices are more practical solutions.