I just typed that title without really considering the psychological can of worms it just opened, as I am not and (I hope) never will be a girl (no offence to any girls) but the point I am trying to make still stands.
That point is this;
Why do we delineate so sharply between age brackets? I was browsing around Waterstone's the other day, trying to absorb some vibes for the book I'm writing, and I was struck by the focus on the '8-12' age group.
Why 8-12?
As it happens, I have tried to write a children's book and ended up with something that strays a little too close to YA fiction. As the wise and witty editor pointed out in her wonderful midway report, the book needs a little work to take it back to the 8-12 level. I have worked and worked and in my opinion, I now have a book perfect for an age bracket that doesn't exist; 10-14.
The thing is, I had a quick shufty through the 8-12 shelves, and I was rather unimpressed with what I found; I thought a lot of it (by no means all, or even most) was thin, rather patronising and often cliched.
Have I shot myself in the foot? Does my story need to be watered down in order to appeal to children (or more accurately, to children's publishers?) What should I do?
I would agree that Harry Potter is a series that grows with its readership. If we go on the premise that the first book is 8-12, then, the age expected by the 4th book would be 12-16 which I think would be 'correct' in terms of the darker themes.
I wrote my dissertation on the 'Corruption of Childhood within mainstream media' as part of my Graphic Design degree, and like Louise pointed out the notion of 'childhood' or even a 'child' are new ideas post c1830.
I think the reason why we, as a modern society, are concerned about children growing up too quickly is because even down to the clothes that they are encouraged to wear by companies like Tesco, Primark and the like are not always age appropriate. Mainstream media has a lot to answer for in that respect.
Like I said in my earlier post, as an 11 year old, I did not do much reading recreationally. In fact, I would be honest to say that other than the gothic/alternative comic books I read post-school-early college it was a long time from picking up a book and reading it. One thing that I regret now as an adult.
As a parent, it will be my job to encourage my son to read books within his age group, and above (when the time is right). As someone who is enjoying reading and writing, I hope that will rub off on him. He is only 6-months, so there is a long time until he is at reading age. But it is something both myself and my wife want to encourage - not force.
- Sorry for the mini-essay...
I have genuine sympathy for the kids of today who are forced to grow up to soon. They are bombarded by many forms of media. They watch television, have internet access to facebook and twitter, play computer games and overly use their mobile phones. I believe that to many distractions must have a detrimental affect on their studies.
I do wonder at the so called age-of-innocence. It does seem to be shrinking at an alarming rate. Even the best parent's attempts at sheltering their children can fail with amusing consequences.
A friend of mine was out shopping with his wife. His seven year old son was sitting in the back of their car with his younger sister. The husband and wife were talking about her mother who was going senile. They were discussing the possibility, that she may eventually have to be cared for.
During a pause their son said,. 'Dad, has nan been talking bollocks again.'
Any advance on seven?
The age groups are marketed at different people. 8-12 is marketed at adults and what they would like their children to read because 12 is the last age you can buy a book for your child and actually expect them to read it! 12 plus is marketed directly at the reader.
That's why the 8-12 always seems a little young. I have far more chance of my 12-year-old son reading something I've bought him if it's funny, contains some fantasy and looks smaller and easier to read than his school texts. Over 12 no kid is going to get caught reading something mummy bought so if they are caught with something babyish everyone is going to know it's because they chose it. There is your age-break.
You do have those other children - Louise - who take pride in the fact they always read ahead of their age group. They are in the minority, I'm afraid. Always apply occam's razer to pre-teens and the laws of too cool for school to 12 plus.
Oh, and Louise is right - Harry Potter's a grower. Not many of those around. My son read the first four when he was 10/11 and now seems to be taking a break. I think he'll come back to book five when it seems more relevant to him.