To Take a Dare boldly delves into the complex realities faced by teenagers who decide to escape their home environments. The narrative follows Chrysta, Dare, and Lissa, each experiencing different forms of parental abuse—be it physical, emotional, or mental. Despite sharing a common predicament, their responses and coping mechanisms diverge, adding depth to their characters. Upon its release, the novel marked a significant shift in literature aimed at young audiences by tackling issues previously deemed too mature, opting to illuminate rather than merely entertain. This work stands alongside other pioneering novels like Norma Klein’s It’s OK If You Don’t Love Me (1978), which also explores the nuanced struggles of teenagers grappling with sexual awakening, divorce, and the emotional turmoil of their parents.

The collaboration between Crescent Dragonwagon and Paul Zindel in crafting To Take a Dare brings a unique blend of sensitivity and insight to the young adult genre. Dragonwagon, who had already established herself through several children’s picture books, ventured into young adult fiction with this novel, lending it a softer narrative style and imbuing her characters with palpable empathy. Her portrayal of life in a small Ozark town in Arkansas enriches the novel with a vibrant setting that enhances the storytelling. Zindel, a veteran in young adult literature known for tackling challenging topics such as teenage pregnancy and the intense pressure from parents for success, complements Dragonwagon’s approach with his experienced voice, creating a compelling and layered narrative.