For a genre that’s been around for barely more than half a century, young adult literature has exploded in popularity, resulting in a multitude of diverse books that cater to the adolescent experience in its many forms. 

So why are so few of these diverse books acknowledged? 

A few words from Spanish actor Javier Bardem this week incited a diplomatic row that threatens to challenge the tight bond between France and Morocco. At a press conference in Paris last month, Bardem attributed a controversial statement to the French Ambassador to the United Nations, Gérard Araud. He cites Araud, in reference to reports of human rights violations,^* as saying “Morocco is like a mistress who you sleep with every night, who you don’t particularly love, but you have to defend.

As most of us are aware - whether dimly or keenly - the United States has the capability to deliver its nuclear missiles three ways; we can launch intercontinental ballistic missiles from missile silos on our soil, from submarines, and from bombers and jet fighters. But, in this age of austerity, the rationale for using three modes of attack has come under, well, attack. After all, only one - submarines – is needed (if you’re the type of person who believes in nuclear weapons, that is).