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[CCBC-Net] Lucky
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From: Linnea Hendrickson <Lhendr>
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:34:49 -0700
I was asked by a relative what I thought about the Lucky controversy before I'd finished reading the book. Now that I've finished reading, and loving it, I think the most pertinent remark in the Times article is Pat Scales' comment, "'The people who are reacting to that word are not reading the book as a whole,' she said. 'That's what censors do -- they pick out words and don't look at the total merit of the book.'"
Before I had finished reading, when I thought about how I'd read the beginning to a group of third or 4th graders, which I'll probably do this week, I thought about how I'd handle it. However, since finishing the book, I've changed my mind about my strategy. I originally thought I would see if a hand shot up requesting a definition. Then, I'd ask if anyone knew .. and if not, I'd come up with a definition myself, and be prepared for giggles and/ or gasps -- which I would receive, with, as Monica describes it, a "grow-up sort of look." (These are kids who find the word "underwear" in any context uproariously funny.) Since I always discuss censorship during Banned Books Week, I have had lots of experience giving "the look" and squelching gasps and giggles. Like Monica, I prefer to read with a minimum of interruption and explanation. In addition, like many of those who are censoring the book, I'd prefer not to have to engage in a vocabulary or anatomy discussion..
However, having finished the book, I realize that Lucky does not know the meaning of the word throughout the book, and when Brigitte explains it to her so gently and beautifully at the end, it is a powerful and tender moment that makes it clear that the author's choice of words was not at all accidental, and that she was not trying "sneak in" anything
-- as though anyone would choose the first page of a book as a place to sneak! In fact, the word and Brigitte's definition has everything to do with one of the book's powerful themes of the absent father and the meaning of parenting. I think when I read the opening chapter this week, if the children ask, I will simply say that if they want to find out what the word means they will have to read to the end of the book -- or they can turn to the dictionary if they can't wait. Or, I may break down and give them a hint.
Be brave, librarians and teachers. If I can handle this, so can you.
Date: Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:34:49 -0700
I was asked by a relative what I thought about the Lucky controversy before I'd finished reading the book. Now that I've finished reading, and loving it, I think the most pertinent remark in the Times article is Pat Scales' comment, "'The people who are reacting to that word are not reading the book as a whole,' she said. 'That's what censors do -- they pick out words and don't look at the total merit of the book.'"
Before I had finished reading, when I thought about how I'd read the beginning to a group of third or 4th graders, which I'll probably do this week, I thought about how I'd handle it. However, since finishing the book, I've changed my mind about my strategy. I originally thought I would see if a hand shot up requesting a definition. Then, I'd ask if anyone knew .. and if not, I'd come up with a definition myself, and be prepared for giggles and/ or gasps -- which I would receive, with, as Monica describes it, a "grow-up sort of look." (These are kids who find the word "underwear" in any context uproariously funny.) Since I always discuss censorship during Banned Books Week, I have had lots of experience giving "the look" and squelching gasps and giggles. Like Monica, I prefer to read with a minimum of interruption and explanation. In addition, like many of those who are censoring the book, I'd prefer not to have to engage in a vocabulary or anatomy discussion..
However, having finished the book, I realize that Lucky does not know the meaning of the word throughout the book, and when Brigitte explains it to her so gently and beautifully at the end, it is a powerful and tender moment that makes it clear that the author's choice of words was not at all accidental, and that she was not trying "sneak in" anything
-- as though anyone would choose the first page of a book as a place to sneak! In fact, the word and Brigitte's definition has everything to do with one of the book's powerful themes of the absent father and the meaning of parenting. I think when I read the opening chapter this week, if the children ask, I will simply say that if they want to find out what the word means they will have to read to the end of the book -- or they can turn to the dictionary if they can't wait. Or, I may break down and give them a hint.
Be brave, librarians and teachers. If I can handle this, so can you.
-- Linnea Linnea Hendrickson Albuquerque, NM Lhendr at unm.edu http://www.unm.edu/~lhendrReceived on Mon 19 Feb 2007 11:34:49 AM CST
