From: Levine, Arthur <ALevine>
Date: Mon, 20 Jul 1998 14:43:43 -0400

I just want to echo Ginny's comments about "adult" words like novella and reminiscence. Her insight as to the importance of these concepts strikes me as similar to points made earlier about catgories (such as "fantasy" or
"realism"). I think it's useful and worthwhile in struggling to understand and appreciate an author's work, to try on an adjective like "novella", a category like "fantasy." This helps us compare the work to other works that have been described as such. It provides a context for discussion.
    But we have to remember that for the reader (young or old..er) the experience is all in the words, in the story, and not in the descriptions we create after the fact.
     I also want to say how much I've been enjoying this ongoing conversation about children's literature. It makes me turn back to that editorial letter I have to write with renewed idealism!

Arthur Levine Arthur A. Levine Books Scholastic
Received on Mon 20 Jul 1998 01:43:43 PM CDT