by Hannah (different Hannah)
Reading has been a hobby of mine for as long as I can remember. (okay, ever since I learned how to read [although reading lessons were never a favourite when I was little]) Even though I am a huge extrovert (most of the time), I've always loved the feeling of picking up a book and reading it. Being transformed into a different person, being transported to another world. I loved it! |
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But what I've noticed, since reading when I was little, there has been a significant change in reading material for kids.
There is a total difference in books from ten years ago and now.
Today I am talking (shutter) middle grade books.
Don't get me wrong, I love middle grade books, sometimes. There are several middle grade writers who are totally amazing! (i.e. Kate Dicamillo) But most of the time I go browsing in the middle grade section and find books like Middle School: the worst years of my life by James Patterson (guys who write for adults should not attempt middle school books, just saying), and Diary of a Whimpy Kid.
Most middle school books these days, I've noticed, are set to appeal to the lowest common denominator possible. And for middle school boys, the thing that appeals to them the most, apparently, according to most middle school books and movies, is potty talk and gross stuff (like peanut butter and ketchup sandwiches from Percy Jackson). All the popular kids book are all like that. And schools feed them to the poor innocent children like it was candy.
And then as soon as the middle schoolers reach high school, they are thrown into a pit of books full of drugs, violence, and cussing. (and adults wonder why our generation is turning out the way they are.)Okay I get it, putting this stuff in these books do make the kids read, and, I guess enjoy it. But honestly, why does it matter if the kids were reading or not if we are filling their minds with this garbage!?
(sorry, but I am rather passionate about this subject)
What ever happened to literature? Good books. Classic books have been swept under the rug by society because they are boring. Well, I guess they do force the kids to read them in literature class, I don't know about you, but I don't like being forced to read books. It just ruins it.
My point is, as writers we should pledge to write books worthwhile. We are helping develop the next generation.
Who's with me!?
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To read more ramblings like this you can find me at my blog in Neverland, or for bookish things, head on over to Candy Apple Books! Thanks for reading,
Hannah
I agree wholeheartedly! Ugh...some books are *so* worthless nowadays. Thank you so much for posting, Hannah--this is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI am certainly, definitely, absolutely with you!!!!!!! Tibi gratias ago for standing up!!!!
ReplyDeleteLayla.
Oh so true! It's sad the downgrade in literature these days. Totally with you in attempting to change that!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
Thanks guys! I was so super scared that you all would hate me for shooting down middle grade books. Glad i'm not the only one who thinks this. :)
ReplyDeleteYes! Someone who agrees! The shelves of the library are filled with trash these days instead of literature. It's terrible.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree! The quality of books these days that publishers seem to think need to be published is awful. Now there are still some excellent stories out there, don't get me wrong. But the filth that fills a lot of them could stand to be removed and I'd be a much happier camper! :)
ReplyDeleteThough this is partly true, I still believe that there are a lot of good books being published nowadays. There are middle school teachers encouraging their students to read the books they loved back in their days that offer great ideas and fill the younger ones' imagination to the brim. Maybe it's just a matter of knowing where to find them. Just don't stop looking. Shelley @ Y\'all Twins?
ReplyDelete