Titles for Tweens: Part I

Titles for Tweens: Part I

or

What to Unlearn

Everyone goes into a book search with pre-existing expectations, biases, and beliefs. Most of these are useful. They allow searchers to focus on specific topics and reading levels while keeping seekers from spending too much time on unsuitable items. Unfortunately, some undesirable lessons come over time. It is time to stop the following:

Defaulting to Classics: When choosing a book for tweens, many will simply throw a classic novel at the reader. While classics are usually classical for a reason, not all of the titles age well. Some, like Mary Poppins suffer from undeserved glorification, while others, such as The Story of Doctor Dolittle are wildly unsuitable for modern sensibilities. Furthermore, simply choosing a book simply because it is a "classic" is lazy. The statement is harsh, but true. Telling tweens to enjoy a title because "they are supposed to" ignores the individuality and preferences of the readers. Please do not misunderstand the guide, classics have their place, particularly scholastically. However, trying to force "good literature" on someone during a vacation or leisure time seldom inspires interest in reading.

 Dolittle...why...

Defaulting to Books You Liked as a Tween: Again, this is lazy choosing. Also again, this is a sharp but true statement. Grabbing a book you liked without considering the preferences and interests of a specific tween will not result in success. For example, a relative (who shall remain nameless) once gave one of my parents (who shall also remain nameless) a copy of the Bobbsey Twins. Anyone who knows this particular parent would understand his or her reluctance to read it, since they favor non-fiction, action-oriented plots with quick dialog. Also, much like classics, some series, such as Nancy Drew, do not age particularly well.

 Ask yourself "Will this make sense to someone who as never known life without the Internet, CDs, or cell phones?"

Dismissing Nontraditional Media: Magazines, newspapers, and newsletters often find themselves ignored by guardians of tweens. However, many tweens find the items easier and more enjoyable to read. In many cases, nontraditional items can form a "soft entry" to more complex topics. For example, fashion magazines can encourage readers to take interest in current trends, photography, clothing, and media. Also, some items maintain a degree of relevance traditional items cannot reach. Nature and technology magazines, for example, often offer more current information than traditional media.

 Let us explore together!

Assuming Any Written Item is Good for Your Tween: Tweens form a very special reader group. They have the curiosity of elementary students with the comprehension of high school students. However, not every item in the two groups is necessarily suitable for a tween. The readers may not be ready, mentally or intellectually, for high school topics. Similarly, items for very young readers cannot suit a tween's desire for stimulating reading. Review items carefully before recommending them.

 All of these items have ratings, similar to movie ratings, on their covers. Know what they mean!

Overall, most selection problems stem from seeking the easiest means of fulfilling an obligation. Simply approving or disapproving a given title on pre-concieved ideals without considering the interests of a tween will not result in a happy reader.

With the undesirable seeking methods addressed, good seeking habits can now develop.