As most of you know, I have recently moved to a small community. I have been very fortunate to make friends with Susan, the library manager, and lover of children’s books. She, being the nice person that she is, asked me to accompany her to visit the Grade 7 classroom last week. The subject was boy books, girl books and books for both boys and girls. The Horn Book magazine recently did a whole issue discussing whether some books are for boys, some are for girls or if they’re for both, and if there are gender specific books, is that wrong and encourages sexism or is it appropriate because it encourages reading? Susan, and a local actor, Bill, read an article from the magazine which was a discussion between author John Scieszka and Horn Book editor, Roger Sutton on the topic. A lively discussion and debate followed. The Grade 7 had so much to say on the topic, that we’re going back tomorrow (Monday) to continue the discussion. I will post some of their thoughts, as well as mine here afterwards, but if you’d like to take up the topic in the comments section, please do!Here’s one of Susan’s questions to get you started. The cover of a book has a dramatic effect on who will pick it up. Is this more true for boys than girls?
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