Josh Pichler confirmed his grandmother died in Des Moines Aug. 18 of unspecified causes, ending a career that saw Eyerly introduce topics such as alcohol and drug abuse before mainstream society freely discussed such teenage issues, The New York Times reported Saturday.

Four County Library System youth-services manager Starr La Tronica said her works, including 1962's "More Than a Summer Love" or 1963's "Drop-Out," Eyerly set the course for future writers regarding such sensitive subject matter.

"In a humane and compassionate way she broached subjects that were not being written about or discussed," the Vestal, N.Y., official said. "She blazed the way."

Among the nearly 20 novels written by Eyerly during her literary career was "Bonnie Jo, Go Home" that dealt with abortion and the coping with death tale "The Girl Inside."

The Times said in addition to Pichler, Eyerly is survived by a sister, two daughters, five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.