CCBC-Net Archives
Inner narrative logic and multiple viewpoints
- Contemporary messages sorted: [ by date ] [ by subject ] [ by author ]
From: ortchild at sfpl.lib.ca.us <ortchild>
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 12:27:27 -0700
I think Megaboy and other fiction titles we've been discussing are not really non-linear in the same way that the Magic School Bus books and the Eyewitness books are; rather, what makes them stand out are the ways in which mulitple viewpoints are given immediacy without (or perhaps because of) resorting to an omniscient narrator. Avi's Nothing But the Truth, Rob Thomas' Slave Day, The View From Saturday, all have what Marc Aronson describes as "inner narrative logic", and in fact are largely linear. Another book that successfully presents a varied point of view is Dickinson's Eva, in which two very realistic (and increasingly at odds) viewpoints exist in the same person: Eva as human, Eva as ape.
I have much more difficulty with the deluge of non-linear non-fiction. I know it appeals to young readers, and makes subjects seem more accessible, but I ultimately think it does a disservice to children by not teaching them how to engage deeply with a text or subject. It also, by example, doesn't lead to learn how to put thoughts into writing in any logical and linear sense. I suppose when today's kids become college teachers they won't be concerned with student's inability to express themselves in writing. I realize this is very old?shioned, but I think there is value in struggling with and engaging with a meaty, full text, rather than accepting fluff.
The fiction I mentioned above, does invite engagement, thought, consideration, and the re-examination of beliefs and values. But will students be able to coherently put those thoughts in writing?
Nancy Silverrod San Francisco Public Library ortchild at sfpl.lib.ca.us nsilverrod at sfpl.lib.ca.us
Received on Tue 06 Oct 1998 02:27:27 PM CDT
Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 12:27:27 -0700
I think Megaboy and other fiction titles we've been discussing are not really non-linear in the same way that the Magic School Bus books and the Eyewitness books are; rather, what makes them stand out are the ways in which mulitple viewpoints are given immediacy without (or perhaps because of) resorting to an omniscient narrator. Avi's Nothing But the Truth, Rob Thomas' Slave Day, The View From Saturday, all have what Marc Aronson describes as "inner narrative logic", and in fact are largely linear. Another book that successfully presents a varied point of view is Dickinson's Eva, in which two very realistic (and increasingly at odds) viewpoints exist in the same person: Eva as human, Eva as ape.
I have much more difficulty with the deluge of non-linear non-fiction. I know it appeals to young readers, and makes subjects seem more accessible, but I ultimately think it does a disservice to children by not teaching them how to engage deeply with a text or subject. It also, by example, doesn't lead to learn how to put thoughts into writing in any logical and linear sense. I suppose when today's kids become college teachers they won't be concerned with student's inability to express themselves in writing. I realize this is very old?shioned, but I think there is value in struggling with and engaging with a meaty, full text, rather than accepting fluff.
The fiction I mentioned above, does invite engagement, thought, consideration, and the re-examination of beliefs and values. But will students be able to coherently put those thoughts in writing?
Nancy Silverrod San Francisco Public Library ortchild at sfpl.lib.ca.us nsilverrod at sfpl.lib.ca.us
Received on Tue 06 Oct 1998 02:27:27 PM CDT
