Very American - in a good way
There is a certain approach to children’s literature at which certain American writers seem to excell. These are books that chronicle a particular period of daily life, but in doing so take readers right inside the thoughts and feelings of a narrating child. They do not generally concern themselves with the ‘conditions’ which affect some children (autism, ADHD, dyslexia and the like) as do some excellent UK titles, but rather with relationships, issues of family and school life; matters that may seem relatively small in the great scheme of things, but loom very large to the children concerned. For the most part they do not recount dramatic events and exciting adventures, but by detailing the minutiae of daily experience thereby elucidate the universal. They take young readers right inside the heads of their lead characters and help them to understand more richly and deeply the lives of others, and their own.
I know of few, if any, authors who better exemplify this remarkable type of writing than Rebecca Stead.
What is the truth?
Her book Liar and Spy gained many nominations and awards, on both sides of the Atlantic, when it was published just a few years back. Justly so; it is fully deserving of contemporary classic status, and remains a strong recommendation. It should be amongst library stock for all schools and in as many homes as possible. The voice of young Georges (named after Georges Seurat, hence the ‘s’) is beautifully caught, poignant and funny, and we really get inside his minute-by-minute perceptions of life in a most endearing way. Although the action is largely confined to a few days within a Brooklyn apartment block, into which Georges and his father have just moved, its gentle pace gradually unfolds an intriguing mystery, although it ultimately turns out to be not quite the one expected. It is an entertaining and often amusing read, but, underneath, has a great deal of importance to say about truth and lies, reality and illusion (or perhaps delusion). This author truly understands the importance of family and friends from a child’s perspective, and elucidates issues around coping with change, exposing the need to accept and value differences in others. Liar and Spy is most cleverly written and its superficial simplicity, of both language and storytelling, subtly conveys complex and rich humanity.
Things that shouldn’t change and things that should
Rebecca Stead’s most recent book is another rather unobtrusive triumph. The List of Things That Will Not Change, is, as the title suggests, also about a child coping with change. Once again it is a quite breathtakingly skilful and poignant in capturing a child’s voice, this time that of Bea, as she copes with a parental split and the prospect of her father’s remarriage. This will bring her not only a new parent but a step-sister as well. Like Georges, Bea is often amusing, as well as touchingly honest in sharing her thoughts, hope and fears, as the wedding approaches and her domestic situation shifts and reshapes. Her situation is complicated by the fact that her father’s impending marriage will be a gay one. Although this presents no problem to Bea herself, it does to others, and the book sensitively deals with issues of prejudice and intolerance. However, its outcomes are reassuring and ultimately heartwarming. It is an understanding book that will help children understand and accept. It is vitally important that as many of our children as possible grow up with intuitive awareness of the inestimable value of all people, irrespective of gender, race or religion; that they simply accept as normal of a range of different loving relationships, partnerships and family grouping. This is exactly the sort of book that will help enormously in reaching towards such aspiration.
US edition
Still very American - and still in a good way
I perhaps need to say again that these are books that to UK readers will feel very American. They demonstrate yet again that we are ‘two nations divided by a common language’. There were certainly occasions when I had to look up their meaning of particular words. Even more than unfamiliar vocabulary, the social systems in which the young protagonists of these books live, their schools, food, treats, homes and families, can seem very strange to us. But I cannot see this as anything but a good thing. Such books offer young readers important insights into a national culture with considerable global influence. Through them they can come to appreciate not only what is different about America and Americans, but also, and perhaps even more importantly, how very much basic humanity we all share. They offer vital lessons in understanding and in empathy, without any hint of didacticism.
These are probably not books for novice readers, but thoughtful, sensitive children will find them life-enriching, engaging and endearing, as well as highly entertaining.
Note:
I included an earlier title from Rebecca Stead, When You Reach Me, in my recent recommendations of books about time travel.I have also previously reviewed Bob, which she co-authored with Wendy Mass and is further distinguished by copious illustrations from one of my favourite book artists, Nicholas Gannon. Both of these are well worth seeking out too.