MY BIL (who is a single, fatherless man), shared this on his FB page today.... Curious what my fellow homeschoolers, parents and readers feel about her list...I'll share my opinion in a while... http://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2013/07/22/the-5-worst-books-for-your-children/?singlepage=true
I'm kind of WOW that Monster is required reading for pre-teens. I did read it when it was new in High school-at like 17 years old! And I was from a URBAN area where this is very real. But, would I have my children read it, and especially as a preteen, oh NO! Absolutely not! I read it over 20 years ago and still remember it, it was that intense! No way..... I have to agree with her on that. The other books she mentioned, I have never read. So wouldn't know. I kind of keep with older books for the most parts for my kids.
I know that I agree with the Golden Compass series and the Lemony Snicket series. Other than that, I haven't read enough of the others to comment. I do, however, agree with her alternate choices.
Well, we like the Series of Unfortunate Events here... they are freaking hillarious! I'm not sure I agree with her much at all really... other than the fact that most of what she listed is for much older audiences than "kids" in my opinion so it's not even relevant anyway.
My son read The Red Pony. No crying here. I think Steinbeck is brilliant, but many of his books are more suitable for the high school and older crowd.
My older girls read Island of the Blue Dolphin, and my son read the entire Lemony Snicket series in like 1st grade. I would not choose Monster or The Golden Compass series. I love the alternate choices.
I remember reading Island of the Blue Dolphin in school. I thought it was a good book. I plan to read it to my girls yet, or have them read it themselves. The others I haven't read, so I don't know.
I'm not familiar other than being assigned The Red Pony in advanced high school lit (I didn't read it, though). I've heard absolutely horrible reviews (Christian sites & Christian friends) about the Unfortunate series, so we've never picked up a single book.
I somehow missed that this was on the list. I remember that being my favorite book when I was in elementary school! So.. well.. I guess I can't agree with that one.
I like this comment... oh do they still teach reading? I have often wondered this myself while working with my older son who was pushed through so much even though he couldn't do the work because they didn't have time to help him. When I finally got in a position where I could home school my boys he was supposed to be going into 7th grade and he couldn't read any better than my 7 yr old? Whats up with that? Now that he has been home schooled for 1 school year he is reading at a 5th grade level. He's still not quite up to where he should be but its a large improvement for only 1 school year.
Thanks. I'm not feeling like such a freak!!! I did not agree with her on much (although, I did also love her alternative choices). I have read all the books on the list EXCEPT Monster. I might read it (not that I'd let my kids read it based on subject matter). As for the other 3 she mentioned, I could NOT disagree more (other than agreeing with her choices on the alternatives). I read Red Pony in high school - and intend on having my daughter read it probably 10th grade level - is it a KID book? No. But that doesn't mean it shouldn't be read EVER. My oldest read "Island of Blue Dolphins" when she was 10, one of her favorites - I do wonder what this woman would think of "I Am Regina". Both true stories. Both horrific in areas. Both end happy. Hmmmm.... And as for the Snickett books - the woman obviously has no sense of humor at all. I've read most of the series and yes it appears that "evil wins". But you know what? THAT IS REAL LIFE, sometimes the bad guy DOES win. Sometimes evil DOES win. Sometimes life ISN'T fair. For us, the Snickett books have opened up conversations on evil not ultimately winning. My oldest is, in fact, right now, rereading the series. I do agree 100% with Golden Compass....I had read it BEFORE I'd read the author's intent - which was, apparently, to make mockery of Christianity and God in the allegory. When I read the author's intent, several story elements made sense to me...and I was sickened by the interview.... Anyway....thanks for sharing....
In general, I agree with the article. The suggested alternates are books I'd rather have my children read. My 17 year old son was assigned Monster in PS high school and he found it very disturbing. He usually doesn't talk to me about books he reads for school, but this one seemed to really bother him.
Mom2scouts I read it over 20 years ago, and images of it still pop in my head sometimes-more then ANY other book I ever read. And I did NOT have a sheltered life, quite the contrast of sheltered life in fact....so that tells you how intense it was, and how I can see how it would "bother" people. I thought I was pretty...um...exposed to a LOT. and really most of the stuff in the book, I either know of some one, of have lived it myself...maybe that's why it has stuck when me all these years. But, nope never will I "recommend" my children to read it-if they find it on their own as adults, they will have to make that choice...but not while children.
