sentences:  While some accuse the author of attempting "Howard Stern-type shock treatment", author Susan Patron described the passage in question as being based on her personal knowledge of a rattlesnake biting a dog's scrotum, as well as an explanation of anatomy for readers 9 to 12 years old.She appeared on NPR's "Talk of the Nation" to defend her choice of words.The American Library Association responded to the "Times" article with a statement regarding the value of the book.