This is an interview conducted with a school librarian from a
local elementary school. One had the pleasure of interviewing Mrs. C for the
issues and trends in children’s literature. This interview took place at the
local school library where Mrs. C has worked for more than 20 years. Mrs. C was
asked questions about the trends and issues in children’s literature. The
library is a cozy inviting space with books lining the shelves, tables and
chairs for students to use, along with computer stations to look up books
students would like to find. Posters line the walls encouraging all readers to
take a journey of the mind and pick up a good book. One sat at a table opposite
Mrs. C and proceeded with the interview. The questions and her responses are
below along with what reputable leaders have to say about current issues and
trends in children’s literature to the appropriate questions asked.
Interview questions:
What are the current trends
in children’s literature? Mrs. C has seen many trends come and go. This past
year students were interested in a variety of books mostly influenced by other
children. This a short list out of many, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dork Diaries,
the Percy Jackson series, and as always an oldie but favorite, The Harry Potter
Series. Trends change with popularity in children’s literature. Mrs. C has also
seen the electronic trend explode over the past few years with eBooks, iPads, and
internet access. Students now have access to books on Mp3 and through online
resources for education. Leaders in the children’s literature community agree digital
books read by children are on the rise “Kids’ e-reading continues to grow
sharply, with two-thirds of children 13 and under now reading digital books—and
with 92% of those kids doing so at least once a week” (Greenfield, 2014).
What are the current issues
in children’s literature? The common core is an issue that has been talked
about recently. Common core seems to be an issue with less research based
library books and more content related books now the norm. Leaders do agree
common core is an issue, but most librarians don’t understand the information
or have it wrong. The lists generated are suggestions not mandatory to use.
Are trends more of a
prediction or is it based on statistics? The trends Mrs. C is referring to
don’t involve statistics. They are what she has observed in her library over
the last few years, statistics do not play a role in her answer. Leaders do
rely on statistics for their information as in the trend of eBook readers
rising sharply over the past few years referenced above.
What is your favorite genre
in Children’s Literature? Mrs. C admits this is a tough question. It is
hard to narrow it down to one genre when there are so many. If she has to
choose Mrs. C would choose Historical Fiction and Biography. Right now this is
what interests her and does change from time to time.
What is your favorite
children’s book? Mrs. C has many favorites but she has narrowed it down as
of late to “Oh the places you’ll go” by Dr. Seuss. This is a book about where
children will go during their lifetime and their decisions will decide what
happens to them. This is a great book to boost children’s self-esteem and has a
rhythmic catchiness to it like most of Dr. Seuss’ books.
What is your favorite
children’s book author? Mrs. C’s favorite author is Dr. Seuss of course. He
was a genius in the way he presents his books and information. It took him
quite a while to get his first book published.
How have you seen trends
change over the years? Children’s
literature trends really depend on what is popular at the time. Mrs. C states
she has seen many trends come and go but the classics are always around like
the Nancy Drew Mysteries and Laura Ingalls Wilder. Now it seems to follow what
is on television. Mostly the students read chapter books their teachers
introduce them to during story-time. Leaders have different views on what is popular;
some refer to the 100 greatest children’s literature books.
How have issues changed in
children’s literature? Issues in children’s literature change through the
years and are dependent upon what is happening in the world of education at the
time. Censorship has been an issue, the lack of multicultural books, and the
common core all of these issues arise from different areas, beliefs, and
impressions.
What has been the biggest
trend in recent years? Mrs. C’s personal opinion is the Harry Potter books
have been the biggest trend over the years. J.K. Rowling did an excellent job
in writing those books and capturing the imaginations of young and old alike.
Leaders have many opinions as to what the biggest trends have been; no definitive
answer could be reached on this question.
What has been the most important
issue for you in children’s literature? Mrs. C sites many issues that have
importance, for her personally it is aligning with the common core. Virginia
has not yet adopted and does not plan to adopt the common core but does use it
at this time. Mrs. C says the whole thing can be confusing for anyone reading
the verbiage in common core. One author sees common core in a different way “I
have read the entire Common Core document and am not entirely sure why it
bothers people. I think that outside of the document there is the view that
what students have to read is proscribed” (Maughan, 2014).
These are the insights of a local librarian in a small school. The
resources used for the research in this blog when referring to leaders are:
Essentials of Children’s Literature by Kathy G. Short, Carol
Lynch-Brown, and Carl M. Tomlinson, a course content book full of valuable
information.
Mentioned; Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling.
Mentioned; Dr. Seuss and his illustrious career as a children’s
book author and his book “Oh the Place’s You’ll Go”.
The website Children’s Literature Assembly for reputable leaders in
the community.
The website Publisher’s weekly, for an article on the “Seven Trend’s
in Children’s and Teen Literature.
The website, Digital Book World for the article on eBooks and
e-Readers.
