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Picture Books for Older Readers
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From: Melody Allen <melodyan>
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 08:49:22 -0500
Judy, Your questions seem to lead into a discussion of these books in relation to developmental stages. 5th - 8th graders have such a moral sense, often seeing in black and white and with little forgiveness for injustice. In days of yore, folklore and mythology held great appeal for this age group because of the usually harsh punishments given out. Many kids of this age are incredibly idealistic. How well I remember at this age my plans to take the salt out of salt water so that people in the Middle East could irrigate their fields. (of course I had no scientific ability, but someone did do it). High schoolers are more likely to have more experiences that lead to confusion, compassion and depression as ambitions and ideals become challenging to achieve (major reality check time). But those 10 - 13 year olds can look beyond themselves into the often painful lives of others, but usually do so with hope for solutions and greater concern about righting wrongs than being hurt themselves. (of course, I would never suggest that there aren't kids at this age who have found life hopeless and unjust.) Books like Pink and Say and Faithful Elephants help clarify their sense of justice, help difine right and wrong, and establish goals for a more moral and compassionate world at an age when kids are ready. I do question the use of some titles with say 2nd and 3rd graders for whom I feel the mysteries of Van Allsburg and the humor of the One Hare example seem more appropriate. I would be interested to hear from others with a stronger background in child development. I would also agree with anyone who saud that there are truly wonderful books that offer something appropriate to a variety of age groups
(including, obviously, adults).
Melody Allen
melodyan at dsl.rhilinet.gov
---------From: Judink at aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 1997 5:34 PM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject: Re: Picture Books for Older Readers
As a lurker and children's book author, I've enjoyed reading the views of librarians and how you use books. On the current topic, I notice that some of the books mentioned deal with some heavy subjects, even depressing subjects. Do you ever worry that you will leave children with a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, where they are made aware of problems which they have little chance of solving, or where they may fear that something similar will happen to them? How do you combat this possibility? Just wondering.
Judy Enderle
(one of the Two Badd Babies) Judink at aol.com
Received on Thu 06 Nov 1997 07:49:22 AM CST
Date: Thu, 6 Nov 1997 08:49:22 -0500
Judy, Your questions seem to lead into a discussion of these books in relation to developmental stages. 5th - 8th graders have such a moral sense, often seeing in black and white and with little forgiveness for injustice. In days of yore, folklore and mythology held great appeal for this age group because of the usually harsh punishments given out. Many kids of this age are incredibly idealistic. How well I remember at this age my plans to take the salt out of salt water so that people in the Middle East could irrigate their fields. (of course I had no scientific ability, but someone did do it). High schoolers are more likely to have more experiences that lead to confusion, compassion and depression as ambitions and ideals become challenging to achieve (major reality check time). But those 10 - 13 year olds can look beyond themselves into the often painful lives of others, but usually do so with hope for solutions and greater concern about righting wrongs than being hurt themselves. (of course, I would never suggest that there aren't kids at this age who have found life hopeless and unjust.) Books like Pink and Say and Faithful Elephants help clarify their sense of justice, help difine right and wrong, and establish goals for a more moral and compassionate world at an age when kids are ready. I do question the use of some titles with say 2nd and 3rd graders for whom I feel the mysteries of Van Allsburg and the humor of the One Hare example seem more appropriate. I would be interested to hear from others with a stronger background in child development. I would also agree with anyone who saud that there are truly wonderful books that offer something appropriate to a variety of age groups
(including, obviously, adults).
Melody Allen
melodyan at dsl.rhilinet.gov
---------From: Judink at aol.com Sent: Wednesday, November 05, 1997 5:34 PM To: Subscribers of ccbc-net Subject: Re: Picture Books for Older Readers
As a lurker and children's book author, I've enjoyed reading the views of librarians and how you use books. On the current topic, I notice that some of the books mentioned deal with some heavy subjects, even depressing subjects. Do you ever worry that you will leave children with a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, where they are made aware of problems which they have little chance of solving, or where they may fear that something similar will happen to them? How do you combat this possibility? Just wondering.
Judy Enderle
(one of the Two Badd Babies) Judink at aol.com
Received on Thu 06 Nov 1997 07:49:22 AM CST
