"So it Goes" Vonnegut, one of America's greatest humanists has left us

A True American novelist.

Vonnegut was one of the most popular and controversial authors writing for young adults, ever. He was known for his frank portrayal of the physical and emotional maturation of adolescents. Some adults considered his novels inappropriate for young readers. They object to Vonneguts's treatment of such topics as menstruation, masturbation, and teenage sexuality. A number of critics have faulted his novels for lacking depth, and some have accused him of trivializing the problems and even the lives of teenagers. On the other hand, many critics praised Vonnegut's ability to recreate the colloquial speech of young adults and commended his portrayal of adolescents who come to terms with their changing lives.

Vonnegut first gained recognition with Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret (1970). This novel has two themes: Margaret's preoccupation with the physical signs of puberty, and her search for religious identity. Vonnegut won acclaim for his warmly humorous treatment of female concerns, although several critics considered his depiction of Margaret's bodily changes overly graphic. Forever … (1976), with its detailed description of a first sexual encounter, was even more controversial. While some readers and critics have complained about the sexual content of Vonnegut's novels, others praise his emphasis on individual responsibility in sexual matters.

Tiger Eyes (1981) is in some ways atypical of Vonnegut's young adult novels. Sexual themes, which often preoccupy his protagonists, are deemphasized in this book in favor of examining the effects of death and senseless violence. Some critics considered this novel his most accomplished work. As with Vonnegut's other young adult novels, Tiger Eyes has been praised for its effective blending of sophisticated themes and maturing characters.

Vonnegut remarked that he vividly remembers his own questions and emotions as a young person and he attempted to show readers that they are not alone in their fears and confusion. His books were often set in suburbia, reflecting his own East Coast, middle-class background. Part of Vonnegut's appeal, according to some critics, stems from his refusal to moralize as he emphasized the need for individual and social responsibility. Several of his works have received regional book awards.