Children's Literature
'Reading, writing, and arithmetic" seem to be the most simplistic ideals and categories of a child's education. One would think that it would be near impossible to argue against a child showing interest in any of the three. However, as education progresses and society matures problems have heightened over the evaluation of certain children's books. Many of the problems found within these controversial books deal with subjects such as masturbation, puberty, sexual activity, rebellion against authority, independence, drugs, and alcohol. However, are these issue not dealt with on a daily basis by young adults? With these issues arising in Children's literature critics debate over the age-level appropriateness, the overall moral messages, the high popularity that these books have amongst children, and the literary quality. Censorship has had an effect on the distribution and reading of many children's books within libraries, homes, bookstores, and schools. Books are being taken off of the shelves because some disagree with the content. This is not fair to those with different beliefs.Censorship of books has been around since the early Roman times. It progressed into many religious and political issues, dictating certain bo
"Was it because of what Bother Leon does to people, like Bailey, the way he tortures them, tries to make fools of them in front of everybody? Another common theme of these highly controversial children's books is rebellion of authority. When the narrator is a child, there is often disagreement with authoritative figures. A very disputed children's book is Robert Cromier's, The Chocolate War. This book is the story of a boy who refuses to participate in the school's fund-raising event. This novel has scared adults because of its strong emphasis of being an individual, and the corruption of power. Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War was removed from the Grosse Pointe (Michigan) School District library shelves in 195 because it deals with 'gangs, peer pressure and learning to make your own decisions.' When books are examined, and then banned it is usually out of fear; fear that children will learn from these books. Fear is contagious and parents, teachers, principles, librarians, and school board members are easily swayed by the unfounded hope that if children do not read about it, they will not know it happened. It also eases their uncomfortable feelings toward their children asking questions regarding the information read. This excerpt shows how in tune Blume's book is with the life of a sixth grader. What seems like little problems to an adult, the issue of dating and being accepted is of high importance to an adolescent. The high popularity of her books is highly due to connection with the reader. Judy uses first person narration in order to identify with the reader. Archie Costello, and his Vigils could certainly be considered a gang. Through the initiation of the new student and main character Jerry Renault, it becomes evident to the reader that challenging the gang results it alienation There actions in response to his nonconformity is not peaceful or acceptable. Critics fail to realize that the book shows promise towards young adult readers who are being bullied at school. It shows the small mindedness of the bullies. In addition, it allows the bullied reader to acknowledge that they are not the only one in the world who feels alienated. When examining personal morality, it is difficult because through the controversy one must remember that it is personal, not communal. When a school board, library, and group decide on whether or not a certain book is acceptable they are infringing on a person's rights. In regards to children's books it is even more difficult because the child is not a legal voting citizen. Therefor, school boards are creatures of the state, responsible for the education of the nation's youth. They have the power to control the formal educational process and the responsibility to consider the welfare of the student under their care. Most school boards are granted authority over book selection. If society begins to remove books from the shelves, because of a disagreement with the material, fewer and fewer books will be available to readers.
Some common words found in the essay are:
, Margaret Adrian, Mike Dishnow, Judy Blume, God Margaret, Archie Costello, Bother Leon, I'll Oh, School District, Thank God, children's books, god it's margaret, it's margaret, god it's, chocolate war, children's literature, common theme, blume's book, controversial books, found controversial books, school board, read children,
Approximate Word count = 2315
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)
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