Graphic Novels

I really enjoyed The Storm in the Barn despite it being about the Dust Bowl. Every time I think about the Dust Bowl I think about John Steinbeck whose writing, sadly, puts me to sleep. I was actually upset with myself for choosing this as my book to read when I realized what the plot line was. However, I enjoyed it. The pictures were amusing and I enjoyed that it was told from a little boy's perspective. It was easier to relate to the child for me than it is to relate to the adults in Steinbeck's books. I think that children should be allowed to read comic book/graphic novels in class about material related to the subject being studied because it is entertaining to look at the pictures, but it also aids in understanding the plot.

More Censorship

I realize that there are many reasons for censorship, and certain books are inappropriate for children, but I was heartbroken when I saw in the Hit List for Children's Books that The Witches by Roald Dahl was include with A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein. These two books were childhood favorites of mine and I do not remember receiving any bad messages from them. I think many adults underestimate children's ability to differentiate from reality and make believe. I personally do not think that children are going to want to practice witchcraft after reading The Witches nor commit suicide after reading the poem Little Abigail and the Beautiful Pony. These books have been popular for a while - and it is because they are great children's books!

Censorship Uncensored

The book Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite is about a boy whose parents divorce. His mom seemingly lives alone and his dad lives with his male partner. This book was banned from quite a few school districts because many people felt is promoted homosexuality. More arguments were that the book teaches homosexuality as another way of love, legitmizes gay relationships, has a skillful presentation about homosexuality, is vile and sick, should be moved to the adult section, indoctrination of homosexual lifestyle, promotes homosexuality, and is offensive (Hit List for Children's Books). I do not want to go too far into my personal politics with this post, but I am an advocate for lesbian and gay rights. I was happy to see this book on the shelves of the library along with Heather Has Two Mommies. Homosexuality is not wrong and hopefully by sharing these picture books with young children will aid in them growing up and see that being homosexuality is another way to show a person you love them. I think Michael Willhoite put it beautifully when he wrote in the book, "Being gay is just one more kind of love. And love is the best kind of happiness. This is a simple definition for children to understand and see that nothing is wrong with being homosexual. I know that many faiths disagree and as a heterosexual woman I cannot imagine the sting of hatred homosexuals feel, which is why as a teacher I want my students to be accepting and have an open mind at a young age. The book also does a great job of showing a healthy relationship between two people. The boy's father and his partner Frank live together, work together, eat together, sleep together, and even fight but make up. I can see how some of the illustrations can be much - the sleeping together and putting on sun lotion on each other. Many people would not want to see a heterosexual couple do this in a children's book, but if approached and explained appropriately, it will not be a big deal to the children reading this book. I think every child and adult should read it to see that homosexuality is just one way of many to identify as - it is not wrong or shameful.