12. The Goosebumps craze has largely come and gone at my school, although I still
have a large collection of the books, and they still are used. Most of the books I
have are paperbacks which were donated, so I can justify that at least I didn't
spend my hard won budget funds for them. But we do have them, because the kids
wanted them, and in my view, reading is reading, and ALL reading has value. As
adults, don't we often read things that are far from "literary"? I have been known
to while away a few hours with Barbara Cartland romances! And as a child, I honed
my reading skills on comic books. Anything that makes kids enjoy reading is okay in
my book! Good luck,
13. I buy the goosebumps books for our libraries and continue to buy replacements
because the books get worn to a frazzle. While it is true that they will never win
any literary prizes or awards, they get kids reading who otherwise hate to crack
open a book. They are pretty harmless, boys especially seem to like them, and I
have not had any parents object. I have one little boy (third grade) who is a
strong reader, but hates reading. The only books he wants are the goosebumps--to
each his own, but at least he's reading!
14. I just had to respond to this topic also. I used to feel like buying "junk" was
a waste, despite what I had learned in my masters program. Goosebumps was not my
issue, but Mary Kate and Ashley sure was! I obtained two paperback copies of the
"Two of a Kind" series from a bookfair. The girls drove me nuts over those stupid
books! They were constantly checked out with a reserve list several people long. I
was being such a book snob, I could not see that these kids were wildly eager to
read. I changed my attitude about "junk" when I attended a lecture by Stephen
Krashen. He spoke about his research in free voluntary reading. He said that
reading - any reading - improves reading. He gave an example of a program in
California that was helping native Spanish speaking young women to read English.
The young women struggled until Sweet Valley High books were introduced! They read
these books voraciously and discussed them deeply. They learned to read and
advanced to more sophisti!
cated books and materials. I was intrigued and purchased Krashen's book The Power
of Reading. It changed my attitude and I am no longer a book snob. Needless to say,
I have a large, well circulated, collection of Mary Kate and Ashley books, as well
as Goosebumps, Captain Underpants, Star Wars, Baby Sitters Club, and new graphic
novels! Reading begets reading! Here is Krashen's website:
http://www.sdkrashen.com/main.php3
15. We have these in my school and the kids love them. We do not purchase them, but
have accepted donations. One year we had a former student come back to school and
he donated his entire collection (over 25 books). He felt he had outgrown them and
wanted others to enjoy them. I also buy them for 25 cents from resale shops/garage
sales (my top price), and donate them to the library. We have a lot of students who
are below grade level readers, and they love to check these out. I feel that yes,
it's not great literature - but they are reading! In time, they will feel better
about reading the good stuff (which we encourage when they check out the
Goosebumps).
16. I have these books as they were donated and catalogued before I came to this
position. However, I am not getting any more and as these wear out they are not
being replaced. I teach in a Catholic school and I feel these books go against our
Mission Statement as well as our main purpose. I am not opposed to scary books or
books with magic, but after reading a couple of these when my daughter was younger,
there are no redeeming qualities. The purpose is to scare children, which I know
they like, but a good storyline with suspense, or a battle between good and evil is
fine. Perhaps this is too close to restricting on personal judgment, but we are a
religious school and if children want to read these types of books, they can get
them elsewhere.
17. They are not classic lit but the kids love them and want to read them. So yes,
in my opinion they have a place.
18. I do not care for these books personally, but there really is nothing offensive
in them, and the kids are reading. Isn't that what we want?
19. I have some but they were all donations. I am not going to spend good money on
them, but free paperbacks I can handle. I always tell the kids that if they check
out a scary book, I don't want to have complaints from their parents, as it was
their choice. You can't win, so who knows if someone will protest down the road. It
won't be the first time. They are so popular Think that most parents are accepting
of them.
20. Hi- Goosebumps are very popular, especially with the fourth graders. I also
work in a public library and these books have a high circulation as well. If these
books are the ones they want and will read it seems like a good purchase. Not the
greatest literature but at least the kids are reading...
21. I do not like to waste money on things that appeal mostly to non readers,
however to please the students I ask my classes to donate books that they no longer
want to the library for others to read especially goosebumps. I edit them to remove
soiled and inappropriate materials for grades 3 and 4. I will not use Fear Street;
they are just too violent for this age group. I usually receive 10 to 15 a year and
toss them when they wear out. I introduce Bruce Coville and Sachar and the Knights
of the Kitchen Table author. Usually most students are happy to find new authors
and only the true crime and horror fans stay with goosebumps. I have read them to
see what they were like. I preview authors before placing in the collection. Good
Luck, perhaps a yard sale will give you 2 or 3 to start.
22. I would say, go for it. Our elementary school students love goosebumps. To
me, reading is reading. I know they aren't your "classics", but as long as they
develop the love of reading early, that is what is important. The Goosebumps series
helps. As far as parents are concerned, if we give in to every parent who wants
something banned, we are giving in to censorship. I haven't had any parent object
(thank goodness), but if a particular parent did disagree, then of course he/she
has a right to ban it for his/her child but not the entire library. Sorry to
ramble on and on. So, yes to Goosebumps!
Marjorie Pettersen
Library Media Specialist
East School
215 Hogan Drive
Torrington, CT 06790
860-489-2303, ext. 235
controller53@excite.com
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