Classic children's books never go out of style
Categories: Teens & tweens, Education
Recently I mentioned the fact that my 10 year-old, Cassidy, has taken to reading quite a bit. For the past year or so she has been interested in modern novels such as the The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series and before that the Zenda series. These books were great and I was thrilled to see her reading but I worried they were too modern and lacking in substance, sort of like empty calories for the brain. I knew that if I tried to steer my daughter towards a different genre of books it would likely backfire and she might end up reading People Magazine for Teens. Luckily Cassidy's teacher took matters into her own hands and encouraged Cass to read first Watership Down and then more recently Where the Red Fern Grows. I was somewhat worried when I saw Cass take up this book. As a child I could never bring myself to read the last chapter. I knew sad things were to fall upon Old Dan and Little Ann, and as an animal lover I just couldn't go through that. For last few days I have been monitoring Cassidy's reading, wondering if/how she would be affected. Last night I knew she had finished when she came down the stairs, tears streaming off her cheeks as she ran into my arms wailing, "Oh no, Mom! They died. Both of them! Poor Old Dan and Little Ann. Why?" Even though I had never finished the book I knew of the outcome and began to cry with Cass. We stood and held each other as we discussed the wonderful times the two dogs had and the beauty of the red fern.
While it is never easy to watch my daughter cry, I am so happy to see her touched on such a deep level from a book. The modern series are great but there is nothing like the timeless feel of a classic novel. I hope my daughter will continue in this vein as she progresses on her path of literacy, it is one of the best gifts a child can experience.
Recent Posts
- Weekend Fun and Games (7/03/2009)
- Kids and Extracurriculars - When Do You Let Them Quit? (7/03/2009)
- Twitter Follow Friday on ParentDish! (7/03/2009)
- Lush Lashes (7/03/2009)
- Abigail Breslin Makes $13 a Week (7/03/2009)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
TAMMIE COLLIE 1-14-2008 @ 11:43PM
You just took me back a few years to what my generation calls "old school." My seventh grade teacher read our class that book, WHERE THE RED FERN GROWS. I can remember crying to this day. Ms. Heather, I too am a single mother. I am 40 with a 3 year old. I am everything that two people do. I really injoy your thinking and obvious passion that comes across the computer screen that I am just starting to attempt to dive into. I need to work at home and to provide for my 2 year old. Can you give any advice or comment on the website that can get me started on finding a career that I can generate an income to save for my childs college. I own my own home, and it is paid for. I only have four bills per month besides living expenses. I would truly appreciate any advice you have to offer. From one single mother to another....Thank You.
Reply