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Growth in Children's Literature

We’re learning right and wrong from characters who we’ll look up to.

By Marielle SabbagPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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The first chapter book I remember reading was Junie B. Jones by Barbara Parks. Junie B. Jones is a wonderful work of children’s literature as we follow the perspective of a little girl figuring out the world, friendship, and herself. I remember laughing out loud at so many moments while reading these books.

Children are figuring out different aspects of the world and it’s funny the way a child’s mind thinks. We all have a different perspective. Some readers and parents argue that Junie B. Jones isn’t the greatest example for children as the main character tends to be rude and make bad decisions. Arguably, isn’t that how all children’s books or any work of literature is? We’re learning right and wrong from characters who we’ll look up to.

I remember reading this children’s book titled, No, David! It was about a child who always got himself into trouble. He’d pick his nose, run out of the house naked, and would leave his room a mess. In the end, it’s all about parents love. We all get into trouble, but the most valuable lesson anyone can learn is that we’ll always be loved no matter what. Children’s literature captures coming of age and growth. We continue to learn lessons each day, either about ourselves or the world. And we go on to teach our own children these lessons.

There was a children’s story I remember reading countless times with both of my parents called Love You, Forever. It’s about a young child’s growth, and no matter what kind of trouble he’d get into, his mother always ended the night saying he loved him and that will never change. As a child that really speaks to you. We’re all afraid when we get into trouble. Love has always been a different definition to multiple people. It’s here where we learn the essence of love which is why this book is so important to me.

The Magic Tree House series by Mary Pope Osborne was another favorite story. Children always want to explore. What better way to go on an adventure than by reading a book. We can experience the essence of adventure and spend time in our imaginations, making friends with the main characters. I actually felt as if I was going along with Jack and Annie on each of their adventures. Imagination is a key element in children’s literature. We can connect through drawings and characters of our own age. Also, children connect to animals, adventures, and imagination, which The Magic Tree House series does supply.

While growing up, my Mom and her sisters loved to read Amelia Bedelia, which was passed down to me. The Amelia Bedelia series is about a young woman mistaking various commands/figures of speech. Of course, children would laugh around about it then, but now it’s a little irritating how Amelia Bedelia constantly messes things up. I find it strange that Amelia Bedelia doesn’t understand figures of speech and seems so utterly helpless to live on her own.

Children don’t grasp the full message of the story until their minds have matured. As we have been talking in class, every story has a deeper meaning. The objective of children’s literature is to make a connection with the real world. We don’t all grow up in a nice home for example. One of us may grow up in a trailer park. Another may have been adopted or in foster care. They can grow and learn to understand meanings. Everything has a different meaning once you grow up. Upon re-reading children’s literature you’re left with multiple questions. I have learned to enjoy analyzing the lines of stories. That’s my favorite aspect when reading a story. Children’s books grab the attention of children in various ways. We all grow up differently.

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About the Creator

Marielle Sabbag

Writing has been my passion since I was 11 years old. I love creating stories from fiction, poetry, fanfiction. I enjoy writing movie reviews. I would love to become a creative writing teacher and leave the world inspiring minds.

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