A Reader's Response: February 2011

Don't Tell the Grown-Ups: The Subversive Power of Children's Literature

Lets make it clear, children's literature has provided an outlet for revolutionary acts, conducted in silence and behind closed doors, for years. Hidden under the adults nose, authors continue to sneak progress and change by the masked veil that the words in their novels are "just for kids."

In any academic field, there must be debate. And one of the most enjoyable experiences I have is delving deeper into the genre of children's literature. This does include reading new novels, but it also means hearing the debate. Back in January of 2010, I posted that I had yet to enter an academic course taught on children's literature that taught, "how a book within [this genre] becomes part of the readers philosophy and view of...the culture they are submersed." (old post entitled "Jump")

Though I have still not entered such a class. I know that they do exist. And as I wait for this opportunity, I have begun to delve into the scholarly texts written on my favorite topic of discussion.

This Christmas I received the wonderful gift of one such book: "Don't Tell the Grown-Ups: The Subversive Power of Children's Literature" by Alison Lurie. I quickly began devouring all the information this author had to provide. Written dominantly on British authors within children's literature, Lurie marks revolutionary acts within classic books and the decisive reasoning by authors for writing within the genre.

Lurie's own writing style is accessible and compelling. Providing first an introductory review of children's literature and its history, she continues the text by breaking down individual authors and their stories use within culture. One of her key statements is that we must keep in touch with children. We must read their books, and listen to their rhymes in order to understand, "what has been censored from culture in the past," and to know "what our kids are really up to today." (p. 15)

But most importantly, by reading children's literature we are provided "a way of understanding and renewing our own childhood." (p. 204)

Further Children's Literature References: