OK, so yesterday I was snarking a bit on Ms. Rowling, and yes, you're all right, in a few years her books will probably take out the Poky Little Puppy and that Pig.
But I was reminded of another Children's Books entry on Rebecca Blood's site, wherein she discusses a set of lists (put together by The Royal Society of Literature) of top authors' recommendations of 10 books every child should read. Ms. Rowling, Philip Pullman, and others weigh in. They seem to have vastly different ideas of what "children" are. I think, actually, one would have to have (at least) three lists: Books children should read before they leave elementary school, middle school, and high school.
Ben Okri cheats, and therefore gets the best list of all -- a guide for readers, not a list of books:
- There is a secret trail of books meant to inspire and enlighten you. Find that trail.
- Read outside your own nation, colour, class, gender.
- Read the books your parents hate.
- Read the books your parents love.
- Have one or two authors that are important, that speak to you; and make their works your secret passion.
- Read widely, for fun, stimulation, escape.
- Don’t read what everyone else is reading. Check them out later, cautiously.
- Read what you’re not supposed to read.
- Read for your own liberation and mental freedom.
- Books are like mirrors. Don’t just read the words. Go into the mirror. That is where the real secrets are. Inside. Behind. That’s where the gods dream, where our realities are born.
- Read the world. It is the most mysterious book of all.
I've only read The Famished Road by Okri -- and it was great. Definitely one for the Curious Bookshelf.
So, what books are missing from their lists?
| Children's Books | J.K. Rowling | Philip Pullman | Ben Okri | The Curious Bookshelf |
