Children reading the book witness a wonderful model for dealing with inflamed group emotions. “Helping rather than hating” is a theme that resonates deep in the heart.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Themes that Resonate
I love books for their characters and story. But they truly carve a place in my heart when their themes resonate with me and make me think. That is what gives a novel depth. I am a lover of themes!
In particular I’m keen on themes that make me reflect not only on the world as it is, but on the way it could be. For example, The People of Sparks (2004- Jeanne DuPrau, Book 2 of the Ember series) is an endearing children’s novel of a girl and boy caught up in a deteriorating conflict between their people and the people of the city to which they have fled. The characters are memorable and the story is engaging. But its depth is achieved through exploring the themes of understanding, mistrust and hatred. The main characters Lina and Doon act in a dangerous situation with the simple but profound solution of helping rather than hating. Their actions completely transform the situation in Sparks.
Children reading the book witness a wonderful model for dealing with inflamed group emotions. “Helping rather than hating” is a theme that resonates deep in the heart.
Children reading the book witness a wonderful model for dealing with inflamed group emotions. “Helping rather than hating” is a theme that resonates deep in the heart.
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Oh, that's why I loved The Help so much (by Kathryn Stockett) It was highly entertaining, but more than that... it is about a "movement."
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ReplyDeleteThanks, Corey. I'll check out The Help. I'm compiling a list of books that deal with various themes like nonviolence, transforming the "us vs. them" mindset, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if this is exactly what you're looking for, but I thought of a book you might want to check out: The Jacket by Andrew Clements. Deals with bigotry and tolerance. A little didactic, but still a good read for middle graders.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely, bigotry and tolerance could be another category. Thanks.
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