The first book is based off of the 60s song "Blowin' In The Wind" by Bob Dylan, illustrated by Jon J. Muth. The book is based around the civil rights movement and has interesting lyrics such as "Yes, ’n’ how many times must the cannonballs fly / Before they’re forever banned?”. It covers a very important topic that many children read about yet gives them a new perspective on it. I definitely don't think a very young child would be able to understand the material so I think this would be best for a middle school aged child. Although the text is not difficult, the abstract ideas from it would be hard to grasp at a young age.
Another book that they mentioned in the article that I found interesting was "Which side are you on?" which covers the topic of unions. The story is about a young wife whose husband is receiving death treats from people in his town because he is trying to organize a union for the coal mine that he works at. This would be a very relevant topic for children of elementary school to learn about, especially in Michigan. Many parents are Union workers for the Auto industry and other skill trades that are prevalent in MI. This book shows a different side of the Union "world" that many don't see or neglect to see.I think these books will be very important to introduce young children to new topics. Why not start your children young and teach them about societies issues? Maybe then they will become passionate about something enough to take a stand and make a change in the world.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/26/books/review/protest-songs-for-young-dissenters.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Childrens%20Books&st=cse
I found this article you posted very fascinating! I agree with the statement that a young child wouldn't necessarily understand the meaning of the words in the Bob Dylan book. The books that talks about unions is relevant to Michigan, but I still think it would be hard for children to truly understand how it works and what is going on. All in all, these topics should be introduced to children, but at the appropriate age.
ReplyDeleteThis article was super interesting. It's funny because my Aunt was actually talking about it too. I do agree that kids should be introduced to more social and serious issues because I feel it will really help with their overall development. While some of the issues are probably too complex for some ages, it may also work well as a more discussion oriented book.
ReplyDeleteI think the article is very interesting as well. I feel like a lot of times we get the same stories/plots read to use over and over again. Not only is is beneficial to expose our youth to new topics but it will also give them background knowledge for real life topics that can help them make their own decisions about relevant issues (in reference to the union book). Yes, it should be taken into account an appropriate age for some of these books but there is no use in sheltering children from what they will inevitably learn about. These books can serve as ice breakers for discussions.
ReplyDeleteThis article discusses many interesting points. I feel that even if children do not fully understand the concepts of the books they can still benefit from them. Who defines when a child is old enough to learn about something. If we let parents decide when their children are ready we will continue the cycle of unawareness that is plaguing our society. I think these types of books are a great way to broach the topic with children, even if the topic is not fully discussed.
ReplyDeleteI also think that young children need to be exposed to social issues, but I disagree that adults need to find the "appropriate" time to do so, or do it only when they think the child will "understand." I think children will begin to understand things as they are exposed to them--and honestly, who cares if they don't fully "get it" the first time around? For example, in Bud not Buddy, there is a scene where the police break up a Hooverville. Kids probably don't understand the class dynamics that are at play during this scene, but that doesn't mean it can't at least introduce the topic to them. The earlier kids are exposed to these ideas, the better--in fact, it shouldn't be something they are "introduced to," it should just be a way of life from birth. Being exposed to different perspectives and new ideas in picture books isn't something kids become ready for at a certain age. They're always ready--it's whether or not the adults in their life is ready to accept it that's the question.
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