Conversations with the creators of the best in science fiction and fantasy. If you love SF literature, are an author or aspire to become one, you'll enjoy this podcast.
Middle-school teachers talking about ideas and challenges in real-world classroom environments. Discussions on education, ideas for both parents and teachers, interviews with top young adult literature authors.
Show Notes:
Lorrie and Sheila discuss the teacher’s responsibility when recommending books to students.
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game – Taboo
sexual tension
Young adult(YA) markers on books
librarian’s discretion vs. teacher
Judy Blume’s Forever
Interview with Stephenie Meyer author of “Twilight”. We also discuss:
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1st book
sequels “New Moon” and “Eclipse”
love story
story conceived through a dream
AZ Book Festival – April 1, 2006 10a-5p
In regard to the labeling of books I couldn’t agree more. Back in the 80’s when I was in Highschool we had the same thing (Australia has Primary School (Grades 1-7) and High School (Grades 8-12).
The library sectioned the fiction into 8 and 9, then 10 to 12. They had to keep one of the assistant librarians over there most of the time to keep the young kids out of that section – something those kids would probably not have even bothered trying to do if it weren’t for the ‘illicit’ attraction of the ‘big kids’ section.
Fast forward a few years (and my graduation), Bret Easton Ellis’ novel ‘American Psycho’ was banned in Australia, then later released “with restrictions”. You could get it at your local library, but only from behind the librarian’s desk, and could only be displayed in bookstores in shrink wrap – and only if you were over 18, with ID.
The result? Instant bestseller.
I don’t think we ever lose that attraction to the ‘dark side’, though I’ll admit that it’s good to keep an eye out. I think constructive opinions from parents would help out teachers and librarians a lot more than those crazed and offended blowhards.
As you mentioned, no librarian is going to be able to read everything, but with an army of parents, they may be able to work together to find a middle ground.
Sadly many of these news stories you see about ‘nasty books in the library’ are just silly. One book isn’t going to ruin a kids life. I’m convinced they’re more upset with their child asking some questions about life, and especially sexuality, then any real moral outrage.
At the end of the day I think the child in question is probably going to end up more confused and uncertain when they see their parent(s) going off so unhinged.
Ok, that was long.
Love the show.
Oh, I forgot to mention, we’re the proud parents of a 6 year old so it’s great to see things from a teacher’s perspective via this show – albeit from a slightly older student body perspective.
Rising teen pregnancy (especially among teens on the younger end of the age spectrum) is exactly the reason why you need to encourage your kids to read those taboo books (or at least not ban them from it) and talk to them about sex.
I’ve heard about a lot of parents who don’t want to talk about sex to their children, but isn’t it better they learn from a good book or from a honest talk with their parents than from their friends or TV?
Getting all tense and worked up because a 12-14 year old reads a book like “Forever” is not going to help them in the long run. They deserve to know.
stephaniemeyer.com? That domain is for sale? Can you link her site in the show notes?
You are so right! So many parents do not talk to their young adults about sex and when they do they say things like “Just don’t do it.” The kids have to learn about it any way they can. That is not the way to treat sex. Students need to know the facts and the fiction which go along with the act.
The web site for Stephenie is: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/
Enjoy!!!!!
I loooooove this book!!!
FOUND IT!! YES!!
Stephenie Meyer is the BEST!! She is my ALL TIME favourite writer and I am addicted to these books! Thanks for the interview!!
Shelby