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Friends--
We all would like
our young readers to enjoy high quality books, but the reality is that many
come in asking for the latest book/movie/TV show/cartoon title. (I can
relate on a personal level with two boys who would happily read Captain
Underpants for the rest of their lives). I found the following commentary
on PUBYAC to be level-headed and philosophically useful in the "quality vs.
formula fiction" debate. I hope you enjoy it.
Suzan Nyfeler
CTLS
Youth Service Specialist
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Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2005 14:50:47 -0800
(PST)
From: Nancy Devlin
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Subject: [PY] Popular or literary
books
>>Would you rather have children reading
literature of high literary merit, or are you comfortable with them reading
formula fiction and books connected with other media (TV shows, movies,
etc.)?<<
I don't think it has to be an either/or choice.
Librarians today recognize that purchasing media tie-ins and familiar characters
is just part of the process.
Boys, for example, love Thomas the Tank books. They
don't register very high on my quality scale. However, boys remember which books
they've read. Boys will sit still for Thomas books, and physical self-discipline
is a huge milestone for them. Then, when they ask for more train books, I can
direct them to "Niccolini's Song," which gets quality kudos from
me.
Girls are the same. Barbie as Rapunzel is a pretty
princess waiting to be rescued. When they ask for more Princess books, I can
steer them to "The Princess and the Pizza," or "The Princess Knight," books
which show the princess using her smarts and skills to make better choices.
Self-esteem issues are huge to girls.
You cannot tell someone their reading selections
are inferior. If you do, you insult them, and entrench their desire to read only
the Spy Kids books. Often, it is just a matter of perception
anyway.
For example, most parents would rather their kids
read only Accelerated Reader titles, for extra points in school. The schools
want the kids to be reading, to know grammar, spelling, and
comprehension.
I contend that if they are reading the Bionicle or
Spongebob chapter books, they'll enjoy the process of reading, and absorb the
principles of grammar and spelling through sheer volume. Of course they'll
comprehend the story, they want to know how it ends.
If they continue to read. If their parents don't
make them feel less than. If it is a pleasure and not a chore.
Media tie-ins also offer a "voice" to language and
reading development. Many parents and librarians have never considered that
there is a "voice" to reading language, and that this is a skill which needs to
be nurtured.
Imagine a child reading the movie tie-in for Shrek.
The child knows what Shrek's voice is like, so when he reads the book, Shrek is
speaking the words. They know when to pause, when to get angry, when to
runlikethedickens. Having this voice in their heads helps children develop their
own style of reading. Because of this experience with a familiar voice, they can
substitute another voice--their own--when a recognizable voice is not
available.
We have to get past the idea that popular is
somehow equated to inferior. If you think media tie-ins are lemons, then make
lemonade.
Nancy Devlin
Head of Children's Services
Eisenhower Public Library
4652 N. Olcott Ave
Harwood Heights, IL 60706
PH: 708-867-7828 ext. 28
FX: 708-867-1535
