From: Vanston <jvanston>
Date: Tue, 7 Dec 1999 09:39:11 -0500 (EST)

I didn't read the Betsy-Tacy books as they were released, but I had a similar experience to your niece's - I loved the childhood adventures, but when Betsy got married and burnt dinner, I can't even describe how much it turned me off. I didn't want her to have adult responsibilities - because I didn't want them either! (And I never did go back and finish the series, even when I got older) That's not to say series shouldn't be written like this, but some kids may end up putting down a series at a certain point. While obtaining my MLS, one of my children's literature professors said that sometimes children DO know what's best for them. Sometimes, when they are reading something that's above their maturity or conceptual level, children will just put a book down, or will not fully comprehend it.

Jen Vanston jvanston at suffolk.lib.ny.us South Country Library, Children's Librarian Bellport, NY

"People say that life is the thing, but I prefer reading"
                                   -Logan Pearsall Smith
Received on Tue 07 Dec 1999 08:39:11 AM CST