I chose Eleanor and Park because I loved the unique story and how the characters who told that story are completely different than what is normally portrayed in literature (especially for this age group). This story is told understanding that readers at this level not only understand, but relate to the simple graphic nature of life already– examples being the language used, the intensity of emotion, and the issues the characters face. I loved how both characters are so odd and have unique, tangible hobbies that are considered weird. I think the portrayal of the gender roles in this book is amazing, too. There isn’t one party taking advantage of the other, nor is there a constant need for weakness. Instead, these characters are remarkably human, and as such I am completely grateful. I wish I had something like this when I was younger at my fingertips, so I was interested in investigating why this story has been challenged as well as what following it has.
Author Archives: ccooper51@gsu.edu
Responding to Michelle Ann Abate
Abate states that YA has always focused on avenues to address social, cultural, societal, and emotional issues. She also points out that the true root of criticism of YA literature is actually based on whether children should be open to addressing these issues or ultimately saved from having to take on the adult responsibility these issues require.
Personally, I think she’s right. Further, I think that these novels are an excellent way to educate the audience in a “safe” way. The readers feel the emotions of the story and are given responsibility to consider these dilemmas; However, the author still protects and leads the readers through the problems– a moral guide, so to speak.
The Giver applies to Abate’s argument as a liberal piece of YA literature. It encourages readers to reconsider what they find (and what they are taught to find) comfortable, to challenge norms.
By Chelsea Cooper
Mystery in Bugtown
I can vividly see the book now, even roughly fifteen years later. The book had a hard cover that had been lovingly worn down to that soft material that painted cardboard becomes under the insistent touch of children begging for one more read. Bulging out of the thin, stained, soft-worn cover was two enormous eyes that constantly rolled around, surveying the room. Even after years of abuse, those eyes never even had a scratch (or atleast it seemed that way). My mom (as patiently as a mother of three possibly could) read those 32 pages an uncountable amount of times through all three of our childhood… Which is impressive, considering Barney and Friends was banned in my house once my brothers moved on and just before I was old enough to catch on– just to save that poor woman’s sanity. But, there was something irresistible about the book. The bug puns, clever word play, and the way it seemed so unique to us. I could never imagine another family reading this, dying laughing at the punchline… Other books I knew were readily available to every kid, but this was one of the few things I felt I had the advantage for.. This book was mine. So, naturally, every character was played out in very specific voices and specific lines were left the space of silence needed to react to what we (I) knew was coming each time. Regardless, I read that book for years; then again when I re-found it at a time where I needed comfort. The absolute ridiculous characters within the book were so spot on to me as a child. I remember saying my grandmother looked like one of the characters (a particularly gaudy bug), who coincidentally did not think it was as enlightened as I felt– nor as funny as my parents seemed to find it. So this book taught me not only the art of a true mystery and word play, but it also started my lifelong journey to figure out exactly how tact works.
Picture Book Project: This One Summer
I chose this book because the illustrations, all in hues of lilac, made me curious. They almost seem like high-def cartoon drawings from newspapers come to life. While there is a clear cartoon feel, it definitely still holds a figment of reality to me, making me look closer at the shadows, lines, and shapes the illustrator chose to depict the story. I look forward to reading this book and figuring out why the artist chose to depict the story this way!