From: Dorian Chong <dchong>
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 1999 15:15:27 -0700 (PDT)

I am curious to know exactly what determines that a book like HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE makes it to the adult NYTimes bestseller list, (as opposed to a list for children's books). Is it sheer numbers of books sold, is it an editorial decision to include a children's book on the adult bestseller list, or is it decided by some other criteria? Can anyone shed light on this?

This discussion of crossovers occurs as my fifth grade daughter is reading THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS for school, and very reluctantly so I might add. In fact, I am having to read it aloud to her because otherwise it does not appear that she would read it at all. It seems to me that this book is not particularly appealing to children, although it seems that it should be with animal characters and some of their adventures. But, it is very sophisticated in its themes and writing style and the long descriptive passages are more appropriate
 to adult readers. Is it a crossover book and if so, in which direction? I am appreciating it far more than my daughter is.


Dorian Chong dchong at wahoo.sjsu.edu
Received on Wed 09 Jun 1999 05:15:27 PM CDT