Thanks to everyone who replied. I have decided that this book certainly isn't a
priority for my elementary library; I'm going to wait until I can read it for
myself before making a final decision. In the meantime, here are the responses I
got:
***
I'm reading it right now and spent some time thinking about the same thing. I came
to the conclusion that it is appropriate for 4th and 5th. The characters are good
kids with fine character,(pun?)dedicated to one another, innovative. I decided
they were good role models for those students who haven't yet reach the teen years.
To me it reads a bit like Konigsberg's A View From Saturday -- in style and the
relationships between the kids. I'll be putting Criss Cross on my library shelves
as soon as I finish it.
Well, I wouldn't say that it is inappropriate, but I question how many of your
students will actually want to read it. I doubt many of my middle school kids will
pick it up. I read it and I would have quit mid-way through except I felt like I
had to finish it because it was the Newbery book.
I had the same question because our school is just Gr. 4-5, tho. I also work at a
2nd-3rd grade school with similar students to yours with a few "sophisticated"
readers. I read "Criss Cross" (tho. often at night as I was falling asleep, which
I want to say up front because I might have missed words or ideas that would have
normally sent up red flags.) Anyway, my impression is that it's a book for
middle-school since it deals exclusively with middle-school/beginning high-school
angst: friendship, boyfriends and girlfriends, family, make-up, cars, the
pop-culture of the 70's, etc., all with a dash of humor. There's not much
action--more character studies and mostly the idea that there are many missed
chances in our lives that we aren't always aware of at the time and can't control.
I don't remember any "bad language" issues, tho. there might have been an
occasional mild swear or "crap" and "pissed off." Basically, it seems to be a
Judy Blume/Paula Danziger kind of story with slightly more depth of introspection.
Of course, having worked with 2nd-5th grade for the last 30 years, my opinion of
what is well-written and deserves the Newbery, is more than slightly skewed in
favor of my particular "patrons." Final judgment: I ended up ordering it for the
4th-5th gr. school library because it was the Newbery and I couldn't find
something I'd feel really uncomfortable about or might face an obvious challenge.
But my advice is to read it for yourself since you know your students and parents
best And I'd be really interested to hear what responses you get from other
LMNETers.
I think it is fine for 5th..kind of on the edge of their understanding. There
isn't any bad language nor sexual content. The theme is a little mature, that is
all...the younger kids may not "get it.
My wife read this one and said that it was the most boring book she ever read (and
she reads a lot). She said that it wouldn't be of interest to Elementary types. I
have decided not to purchase it. I didn't purchase Kira Kira either (and I read
that one). I think Kira Kira (last year's winner) should be at the middle school
level for some things in the content.
I don't think there is anything questionable, but, I would not recommend it for
elementary since the characters are teenagers. I was not overwhelmed by its
content.
No sex scenes, (a kiss and hand holding) I think or swearing but the stories may
appeal more to older students. Also, no plot to follow...more like vignettes.
I just read Criss Cross--and I loved it, but I really doubt that it would appeal
to 4th or 5th graders. It's quite whimsical--and b arely has a plotl. It is
beautifully written and depends on a student's willingness to just flow with the
words, from Helen Dittmer (I'd say 6th grade and up, really 7th grade and up)
I have just finished reading this book this week. I would hesitate to allow 3 -
5th graders to read it due to the references to boyfriend / girlfriend situations.
Although there isn't any explicit detailed information - it just hovers in the
background (sometimes not so background) and I feel that the age group is just too
young to be thinking about such issues.
In fact, I decided to not have my 6th grade daughter read it for that very reason.
(She is a bit naive on the subject and just not ready / interested in the topic!)
I hope that this helps you.
By the way, the cover is very "youngish" and I feel that perhaps it will be a
deterrent for "older" students to even want to pick it up in the first place.
***
Kristina Detmer
Library Media Specialist
Russell Boulevard Elementary
Columbia, Missouri, USA
kdetmer@columbia.k12.mo.us
When I get a little money, I buy books; and, if any is left, I buy food and
clothes."
~attributed to Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus
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