I think there are a couple of issues that need to be considered:
First, not selecting on the basis of a few words (or word choices) isn't
really selecting. Are the word choices integral to the character (i.e.
showing level of emotion or change in character), do they fit the tone
of the book (i.e. setting and time, intent of author), or are they there
for sensationalism or to attract attention? And word choice would only
be one aspect of the whole selection process.
Just because another book has the same words doesn't necessarily permit
or deny selecting a specific book. Review the book on its own merits (or
lack of). And probably need to be especially careful about comparisons
with books of classic or acknowledged quality status; I think that would
be an inductive fallacy.
Second point; Unlike many series, the characters in HP are growing up
and maturing at almost real-time (if there hadn't been a delay with #5).
However, it doesn't take a year for a kid to read a book, so for the new
readers just becoming able to read HP1 or 2, the characters get older
much faster than the reader. At some point, there will be a disconnect
between the reader's experience and the concepts or events in the book
(ask the average 3rd grade boy about girls, ask the average 7th grader).
Like Nayor's Alice books where she grows from elem through HS, maybe
HP6 or 8 will be a middle/jr and not appropriate at a k-5 level.
Robert Eiffert, Media Specialist
Pacific Middle School
Evergreen SD, Vancouver Washington
beiffert@egreen.wednet.edu
beiffert@crypticmachinery.net
-----Original Message-----
From: School Library Media & Network Communications
[mailto:LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU] On Behalf Of Wendy Stoll
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 10:48 AM
To: LM_NET@LISTSERV.SYR.EDU
Subject: Re: HP5 IN ELEM MEDIA CENTER
In a message dated 6/30/2003 10:18:36 AM Eastern Standard Time,
twaymire@IN-MOTION.NET writes:
> I have a K-5 Media Center. Many HP fans. However, the 5th book has
> 'effing' and 'damn' in it
Shiloh has "dammit" in it. My Brother Sam is Dead has several "damns"
in it. If the kids know what "effing" means, they've heard the actual
word, no doubt. I think it is ludicrous to think we can keep off the
shelves everything that someone MIGHT be offended by.
That's just my opinion, of course. I'm a meanie; we have so few copies
of the HP books that I don't let anyone check out 2, 3, or 4 until I
know they've read the previous ones. It will be the same with 5.
Chances are, the kids that could read HP4 have read far worse than
"effing."
Good luck!
Wendy
Wendy Stoll, Librarian
Smyrna Elementary School
Louisville, KY Wendy40@aol.com
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