Why I read kids' books

Photo above by Kirstin Tanger. Congratulations to my friends Katy and Steve, who were married in Germany last week!



A few weeks back, I was buying some books at the front counter of a chain bookstore. The conversation went something like this...

CLERK: Oh, my nephew loved this book! Your kids will enjoy it, I'm sure.

ME: Actually, these books are for me.

CLERK: Yes, they'll make great gifts for any children.

ME: No, I meant I bought them for myself. I like reading kids' books.

CLERK: Oh! (obviously shocked, she turns her focus back on processing my order)

I like reading books supposedly written for young people. I don't read them for market research; I read them for my own pleasure. I always have, even when I theoretically "grew out of them."

Overall, I find books written for young people tend to have more hope and have more satisfying endings (for me, anyway). Yes, bad things exist in the world and things really suck sometimes, but I don't read books to be reminded of that, not unless the focus of the book is positive (the character lifting himself or herself out a bad situation, etc.).

I want characters with whom I can connect on some emotional level. I like happy endings but if not happy, then at least satisfying. But most of all, I want a good story. I've come across so many adult books which focus more on clever writing and style than on substance. I think there's less of this in the kids' book industry simply because young people don't put up with it. If a story doesn't grab them, they won't read the book...it doesn't matter how highly regarded the author may be, or if it's been well-reviewed. Kids are a tough audience.

From time to time, I run into adults who sneer at the thought of children's books being worth reading for anyone out of grade school. These people also tend to be the same sort who turn their noses up at anything too mainstream or too accessible. "I can't believe you enjoyed Harry Potter," they'll say, rolling their eyes. "If you want some REAL literature, then try (insert name of well-respected ADULT book here)."

But I digress.



I originally started out writing this Blathering to post a list of books I've read recently. I've been sadly remiss in keeping my Summer reading list up-to-date, so I've added some more of the books I've read in the past month. As you may notice, a large percentage of these are books for young people. :-)

Some recent reads:

	Crispin: The Cross Of Lead by Avi. A good read. Looking forward to the sequel!
	Fair Peril by Nancy Springer. I thought this was a book for kids at first, but it's definitely for adults (or older teens). Enjoyed this.
	The Long Walk: The True Story Of A Trek To Freedom by Slavomir Rawicz. Inspiring story of survival (for adults) about a Polish cavalry officer who was captured by the Red Army in 1939, escaped from a Siberian work camp.
	Replay by Sharon Creech. Unique writing style, touching story.
	Bridge To Terabithia by Katherine Paterson. I make a point of rereading this every few years. One of my favourite books for young people. Ever.
	Incident At Hawk's Hill by Allan Eckert. I reread this recently while unpacking my book boxes. Enjoyed it just as much as I did when I was a kid.
	Pendragon: The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale. First of a popular series. D.J. MacHale is the creator of several popular television series. Not really my style, but I can see the appeal.
	Anne of Ingleside by L.M. Montgomery. Thanks to Allison for the loan! I had somehow missed reading this when I was a kid.
	Garlic and Sapphires: The Secret Life of a Critic in Disguise by Ruth Reichl. A great book for any adult who loves food writing. I adored Reichl's "Tender to the Bone."
	Replay by Ken Grimwood. Thanks to Allison for the loan. Very much enjoyed this!
	Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - Book One by Rick Riordan. Really enjoyed this, and I predict this series is going to be Big. I'm looking forward to the next book!
	A Year In Provence by Peter Mayle. Finally read this and quite enjoyed it. Made me want to go back to France and eat more food.
	Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry. I love Lois Lowry's stories, and this was no exception.
	Same Stuff As The Stars by Katherine Paterson. A good read. Not surprising, since I love Katherine Paterson's past work.

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