Bad Books for Kids by David Mills

Touchstone magazine just published an edition on Books that includes this excellent analysis of the current state of books for teenagers. Though David Mills examines books a shade higher than the tween level, there is a lot of overlap and the problems of teens books is creeping steadily through the tween market. His summary points of the destructive assumptions that bad books convey to adolescent readers is spot-on. I also agree with him that the bad books outweigh the good ones, at least for older teen readers. That's the culture we currently live in...

This article won't be available on-line yet, but you can bookmark the site and catch it in the archives. (or borrow it from me if you know me). In which case, you know to catch me at church...

David Mills' summary of the destructive assumptions in books marketed to teens:

~ Kids have horribly difficult lives, even if they have every comfort and pleasure in the world.

~ Families are rarely "havens in a heartless world," but a trial that for obscure reasons must be endured, though evaded if possible, on the way to adulthood.

~ No one understands them, the people in authority over them least of all.

~ Kids are alone to handle their problems.

~ Girls are strong but often cruel and manipulative; boys are soft and stupid though they can be physically brutal.

~ Talking explicitly about bodily functions is a sign of maturity and realism. Doing so embarrasses parents, because they are not as open and natural, and by implication mature, as their children.

~ Sexual activity is not governed by any form of morality.

Thank you, Mr. Mills, for a thorough and accurate read on teen books...

http://www.touchstonemag.com/