I'm a little surprised there isn't a greater stink about these novels that there is. Or should I say, lesser books have been attacked with greater vigor. Given the amount of adolescent violence and mayhem portrayed tags the book as a non-American based work. I just don't think it would fly here post columbine, etc. And, I read where this series is credited with single-handedly getting kids in the library again. Whoo-Hoo!