Fingernails on a Chalkboard

So a friend gave me a book because I was going through a rough time and she couldn’t find a Judy Moody book (it’s a long story). Anyways, I read the book last night as my husband smoked his cigar and I was distraught. You see, I was not an English major, but I did grow up with a mother (also a teacher) who was constantly correcting my grammar. As I grew, my vocabulary and grammar grew…causing me to strongly dislike hearing words used incorrectly…Ask my husband who I correct from time to time (the habit is not pretty!)…

So my dilemma: How do I deal with books that use improper grammar just for a character? I mentioned it to the friend who had given me the book and she laughed and told me to open my imagination. I’m all for creativity, but reading words so obviously incorrect is like fingernails on a chalkboard. Do I want my children learning to read from books that use incorrect language, even though it will probably be how they are talking at the time?

Just some thoughts…Let me know yours!

Historical Fiction

When I was in sixth grade I hated our Literature books. Even thought I loved to read I did not love going through these books...until I found an excerpt from a book that intrigued me. The book was When Hilter Stole Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr. The story was about a family forced to leave Berlin, Germany with Hitler's rise to power. At 12, I found the excerpt from the book so interesting that I went to my local bookstore and ordered it. I can't say that I've run into too many people who as children found books from their school textbook, but for me, it made me look at my literature book in a new way!

Growing Up On Ann M. Martin

I grew up on the Baby-Sitters Club series. Although the series is not in print anymore, you can find the books by Ann M. Martin at used bookstores. These books began my reading journey and I’ve not been able to stop! Ann Martin did not stop writing at the finale of the Baby-Sitters Club, instead she joined up with Paula Danziger to write two selections which I loved, as well as a solo projects (many are in hard cover and have not yet made it to paperback).

P.S. Longer Letter Later
Snail Mail No More
I was intrigued by these books because as a child I had several pen pals. I was encouraged to write letters with the knowledge that once my letter was in the mail, another letter would be on its way to me. I’ve kept in touch with these friends, although not as often now, and definitely not by snail mail (the sequel deals with the exciting addition of Email and Instant Messenger to the postal world).

The books deal with two girls who have been separated by situations beyond their control (one family moves away from the other). I love this book and its sequel because not only does it show the friendship between the two girls as it grows and changes, but it also adds the complexity of new friends, boyfriends, and the challenges of family dynamics. One family struggles to hold itself together; the parents are deciding whether or not to divorce; kids are trying to find themselves in the midst of the family turmoil…The other family is increasing in size causing the only daughter to question her parents loyalties to her as well as where she will fit into the family once the new addition arrives.

I think these are great books to read together as a family because they deal with so situations that might be difficult for kids to talk to adults about...fears and concerns that they might not want to share for fear that parents (or other adults) might not understand. Use these books as a starting point to talk to kids about their feelings of divorce, moving, new family members, etc.

Some other Ann M. Martin books I love and think are great family reads!
A Corner of the Universe
Ten Kids, No Pets
Eleven Kids, One Summer

Judy Moody…

I found the Judy Moody series of books at Barnes and Nobles one afternoon when my friend and I were passing through the young adult and children’s area of the store. They totally cracked me up! This series contains a colorful array of characters that will leave you laughing from the first page to the last. Judy Moody can teach some good lessons and get the imagination going. I think these are a great pick for any youngster just getting into chapter books.

Judy Moody: Was In a Mood. Not a Good Mood. A Bad Mood.
Judy Moody Gets Famous!
Judy Moody Saves the World!
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Judy Moody Declares Independence
Judy Moody, M.D. : The Doctor Is In!
Judy Moody: Around the World in 8 1/2 Days
Judy Moody's Double Rare Way Not Boring Book of Fun Stuff to Do

What do you do about Harry Potter?

I will be the first to admit that I was skeptical of Harry Potter. Will I read it? Never! Before you judge me let me explain a bit further…When I was in the fifth grade I had a pen pal in Ohio. She wrote me a letter telling me that she and some friends had checked out a book of love spells from the library. Now granted, it was the fifth grade (What book of spells can a fifth grader truly check out (one that has any type of substance) without someone raising an eyebrow?) however, I didn’t think about that in my nine year old mind…All I thought about was, that doesn’t sound right. I immediately wrote her a letter telling her to be careful. A few weeks later I got a response that basically said, Yeah, we’re careful, but it didn’t work anyways. The point? At a young age, with little church background I felt like witchcraft, spells, etc. were dangerous. I still think that it’s a dangerous thing…Do I think we should ban these books? I’m split. Ban them? Perhaps not, but if you let your child read these books, read them together; then you’ll be the first person they’ll turn to if they have questions.

So did I ever read Harry Potter? Yes, I read book #2 (at the time I thought it was the first book). What did I think? Well, I was ready to read the next book...and I can fully see the appeal for kids. The book was action packed and kept me wanting to read more. Honestly, I want to do a little more research on it…See why some people are so passionate about it. There is a great book available to parents questioning whether they should allow their children to read the Harry Potter books. The books is Fantasy and Your Family: Exploring the Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter and Modern Magick .

If ever in doubt, read the book before handing it to your child…do a little research and figure out what the fuss is about. By doing this you can have an informed opinion on whether your child should read it and you’ll be able to back those opinions up.