"Problem Novels"

[kalanthe]

zephre just posted a link to a very interesting article about children's books, exploring why so many award-winning ones are scary and depressing. It's long, but it really made me think, and I'm still mulling it over. I wanted to share it as well.

Zephre's post
Reflections on the "Problem Novel": direct link to the article

Comments

[jenn2d2]

I've always wondered why so many terribly depressing and uninspiring books get foisted on unsuspecting kids (what I don't wonder is why kids don't like to read - that one is answered by the first comment.) I love my mother so much for letting ME pick the books at the library I wanted to read, and understanding completely when I refused (categorically) to read "Watership Down," on the grounds that it was depressing and a bunny died. I became a lifelong reader, and despite the large infusion of fantasy-based literature, someone with a fairly well-rounded world view.

It was interesting to read a parent's reaction to the books - especially the "I've never heard of any of these," part.

[kalanthe]

I remember Watership Down. Not reading it, because I have refused to read it to this day, but the animated movie of it. I think I saw that sometime in late elementary school, and I hatehatehated it and was so upset. I don't even remember the details, just the leftover feeling of horror and being upset.

[jenn2d2]

Yes - that was inflicted on me in 4th grade as well. I, myself, was perfectly happy with Mrs Piggle-Wiggle and the Phantom Tollbooth (both self-finds at the library) or any sort of book involving a mystery.

[kalanthe]

I never read Mrs Piggle-Wiggle, but my mom is the one who gave me The Phantom Tollbooth. She gives it out in board meetings at her college now. :> I should reread that. It's a great book.