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From: Sharron L. McElmeel <mcelmeels>
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 19:07:35 -0500
IMHO -- Children's and young adult books do NOT create society they REFLECT society. Thus, a book on any topic does not make that topic part of our society it already is. In order to understand a diversity of cultures, people, religions, etc. we must be informed and knowledgeable. Whether we "agree" or not is not the point - -it is all about empowering ourselves with knowledge and information to better understand and live in harmony.
I have a friend who is writing a novel (it will be marketed for adults but I'm betting teens will take it to read -- a possible ALEX book) about a woman who is asked to go undercover for the FBI and to expose some illicit drug deals of her neighbors. The best friend of the undercover woman will be a transgendered woman -- and will bring a subplot to the story. I think books of this type are very important books -- whether or not we understand all the emotions, decisions, etc. That's why these books MUST exist -- so others may understand and find value in all people, all religions, all lifestyles, all cultures.
Sharron
At 1:23 PM 00 06/23/05, Lbhcove at aol.com wrote:
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 2005 19:07:35 -0500
IMHO -- Children's and young adult books do NOT create society they REFLECT society. Thus, a book on any topic does not make that topic part of our society it already is. In order to understand a diversity of cultures, people, religions, etc. we must be informed and knowledgeable. Whether we "agree" or not is not the point - -it is all about empowering ourselves with knowledge and information to better understand and live in harmony.
I have a friend who is writing a novel (it will be marketed for adults but I'm betting teens will take it to read -- a possible ALEX book) about a woman who is asked to go undercover for the FBI and to expose some illicit drug deals of her neighbors. The best friend of the undercover woman will be a transgendered woman -- and will bring a subplot to the story. I think books of this type are very important books -- whether or not we understand all the emotions, decisions, etc. That's why these books MUST exist -- so others may understand and find value in all people, all religions, all lifestyles, all cultures.
Sharron
At 1:23 PM 00 06/23/05, Lbhcove at aol.com wrote:
-- ==================================Sharron L. McElmeel University of Wisconsin - Stout School of Education Teaching Children's Literature in the Classroom http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/childrenslit/ Teaching Young Adult Literature in the Classroom http://www.uwstout.edu/soe/profdev/yalit/ 3000 N Center Point Rd Cedar Rapids, IA 52411?48 ph. (319) 393%62 mcelmeel at mcelmeel.com http://www.mcelmeel.com Author of Best Teen Reads: 2005 (Hi Willow), Children's Authors and Illustrators Too Good to Miss (Libraries Unlimited); 100 Most Popular Children's Authors (Libraries Unlimited), 100 Most Popular Picture Book Authors and Illustrators (Libraries Unlimited), Character Education: A Book Guide for Teachers, Librarians, and Parents (Libraries Unlimited) and other titles (http://www.mcelmeel.com/writing). Forthcoming: Authors in the Kitchen: Recipes, Stories, and More and Authors in the Pantry: Recipes, Stories, and More (Libraries Unlimited) ================Received on Thu 23 Jun 2005 07:07:35 PM CDT
