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From Orphans to Siblings
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From: Merri Lindgren <mlindgren>
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 15:40:05 -0600
Your responses to the question about the prevalence of orphans in children's books created quite a list: from orphans who have been around a while, like Oliver Twist and Anne of Green Gables, to orphans of more recent years, like Maniac Magee and Jip, to that most talked?out orphan with wizarding skills. Whether it is a deep fear of losing their own parents that attracts readers to orphans, or the intriguing scenario of parentless independence, clearly orphans as literary characters have long-lasting appeal.
On the flip side of this family structure theme, what are your thoughts on sibling relationships portrayed in books for children and young adults? Mae brought up the topic in her comments on CHICAGO BLUES by Julie Reece Deaver, and Nick mentioned AMBER WAS BRAVE, ESSIE WAS SMART by Vera Williams. Monica touched on the sibling groups of E. Nesbit's books. I was impressed by the close yet complicated relationship between the two brothers in FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE by Markus Zusak. The interplay, both spoken and unstated, between Cameron and Ruben felt entirely real to me, as a reader, and I was engrossed by the skill with which the author layered the brothers' dynamics within the larger framework of their working-class Australian family. Another book of memorable siblings that has stayed with me since it first appeared in 1993 is ODDBALLS, William Sleator's off?at stories based on his own childhood experiences. On a lighter note, the sisters ZELDA AND IVY
(Laura McGee Kvasnosky), although foxes according to this picture book's illustrations, will resonate with human children as they interact in a familiar pattern: Zelda, the elder sister, is flamboyant and bossy, and often manipulates younger, quieter Ivy, although her intentions are good at heart. What books can you recommend that highlight sibling relationships?
Merri
Merri Lindgren, Librarian mlindgren at education.wisc.edu Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/ A Library of the School of Education, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Received on Tue 19 Nov 2002 03:40:05 PM CST
Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 15:40:05 -0600
Your responses to the question about the prevalence of orphans in children's books created quite a list: from orphans who have been around a while, like Oliver Twist and Anne of Green Gables, to orphans of more recent years, like Maniac Magee and Jip, to that most talked?out orphan with wizarding skills. Whether it is a deep fear of losing their own parents that attracts readers to orphans, or the intriguing scenario of parentless independence, clearly orphans as literary characters have long-lasting appeal.
On the flip side of this family structure theme, what are your thoughts on sibling relationships portrayed in books for children and young adults? Mae brought up the topic in her comments on CHICAGO BLUES by Julie Reece Deaver, and Nick mentioned AMBER WAS BRAVE, ESSIE WAS SMART by Vera Williams. Monica touched on the sibling groups of E. Nesbit's books. I was impressed by the close yet complicated relationship between the two brothers in FIGHTING RUBEN WOLFE by Markus Zusak. The interplay, both spoken and unstated, between Cameron and Ruben felt entirely real to me, as a reader, and I was engrossed by the skill with which the author layered the brothers' dynamics within the larger framework of their working-class Australian family. Another book of memorable siblings that has stayed with me since it first appeared in 1993 is ODDBALLS, William Sleator's off?at stories based on his own childhood experiences. On a lighter note, the sisters ZELDA AND IVY
(Laura McGee Kvasnosky), although foxes according to this picture book's illustrations, will resonate with human children as they interact in a familiar pattern: Zelda, the elder sister, is flamboyant and bossy, and often manipulates younger, quieter Ivy, although her intentions are good at heart. What books can you recommend that highlight sibling relationships?
Merri
Merri Lindgren, Librarian mlindgren at education.wisc.edu Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC) www.education.wisc.edu/ccbc/ A Library of the School of Education, University of Wisconsin - Madison
Received on Tue 19 Nov 2002 03:40:05 PM CST
