Brendan Stanton

@AlexiaGalloro I noticed this too, Alexia. It's a devastating loss of innocence that Ishmael had to experience. It was also interesting in the ways in which he took the experience and made it more appropriate to young adult readers without taking away from its content #285WLU10

I feel like out of any text within this course, Beah's text is the most subversive to genre and content. It's fascinating the ways in which the narrative can still be accessible to younger audiences without becoming morally corrupt #285WLU10

@tlynne098 I also noticed this Taya, I do think though that tween readers could understand the content of this text, just as long as it is not the introduction to this type of style. It would be a shame if the texts message would be hindered due to its format #285WLU9

Given that Brown Girl Dreaming is written in verse, it makes me wonder if tweens would even bother reading it (sadly). Most of us are taught that poetry is complicated and requires thoughtful analysis, so would a tween read this for leisure? #285WLU9 #285WLU

I am sure other texts deal with race for even younger audiences, so I do believe the style of this text shouldn't alienate any readers for it being too comprehensive or difficult #285WLU9

The verse format may come across as unappealing to tween readers, however, the overall message regarding racial prejudice and inequality is powerful to those who stick with it. I do feel as though the message is appropriate and sophisticated enough for readers of this age (1/2)

@ChrisXu_ It’s also interesting to think how the opinions of others and within our communities greatly influence and shape the way we are #285WLU8

Interesting the ways in which Bod outgrows the graveyard and matures into becoming his own individual. With his lessons he will grow to become a morally righteous person #285WLU8

@norr5690 It most definitely treats death in a better way, which could be reassuring to children at such a young age that people can still exist spiritually in somebodies life #285WLU7

Compared to the other novels read in this class, Gaiman portrays death in a different way. He presents death to be ‘nice’, reflecting that the afterlife allows you to reunite with your dead friends and family. #wlu285

Something interesting that I noticed was the way the ghosts came together for (Bod) and became the parents and community that he lost. Danger is also always prevalent when he leaves the graveyard #285WLU7

It's shocking to see how relevant this is, and how the same sentiments have moved onto TikTok, Instagram, and even Snapchat.

Twelve years ago, Susan Linn explained how “kids are getting older younger”. It feels like an indoctrination of the toxic elements of our culture and using it for financial gain by targeting them. Our entire social infrastructure appears to be mounted upon this toxicity #285WLU6

@carter_heer Couldn't agree more Carter. Especially if it's through the school system these children believe it is inherently right because school is "good". #285WLU6

#285WLU6 I think the problem with marketing towards children so heavily is that it spoils innocence for them. When from the moment you can read you're bombarded with ads coercing you to buy crap you don't need, you've seen what the rest of your life is going to be like.

@En285Nolan Good point Nolan, Ella's ability to communicate under the burden of the curse is what allows her to learn and gain her individuality. It was nice to see her finally break the curse in such an unforeseen manner. #285WLU5

I like how Lucinda cannot break the obedience curse. Not only do I think it's a good message that Ella has to figure it out on her own, I also found that narratively it was more exciting as I had more anticipation and curiosity as to how she was going to break the curse #285WLU5

By refusing Char's command at the end of the story, Ella has now found a way to defy others while still gaining a valuable lesson about individuality. This is allegorical to the way tweens become independent as they reach adulthood, and can then live on their own accord.#285WLU5

@En285Nolan Good connection Nolan. In other ways, the children are made to learn about authority on their own and the intricacies of "preteen" years without a parental guardian. These characters seem to place these roles onto others, or learn to take care of themselves. #285WLU4

I think one could see similarities between Ella and the Baudelaire's in Unfortunate Events. Both tragically lose at least one of their parents and are forced to be in the care of despicable people and both stories force them to remain hopeful and determined. #285WLU4

Family has also been a consistent theme throughout the three texts this semester and has driven the character's motives and ability to overcome challenges.Ella's curse acts as a placeholder for parental authority and allows her to gain insight into obedience and freedom #285WLU4

The ulterior and materialistic motives of (some) adults go against the honesty, integrity, and innocence of the children in this situation. It gives them a life lesson, and in ways prepares them for the future and the intricate problems many people face in the real world #285WLU3

@En285Nolan I felt the same way and enjoyed how atypical it was against many other children's novels. If it wasn't for the novels humour, its tone could've been much more unforgiving #285WLU3

I like how towards the end, for me at least, it always feels like there might actually be a happy ending for the Baudelaire's. Even though they sadly couldn't move in with Strauss, at least Count Olaf was ridiculed on stage! #285WLU3

I would also like to add that even though she is judging people superficially and on a surface level. The initial impression still represents some form of honesty #EN285WLU2

Harriet's descriptions of others with brutal honesty reminded me of Truman Capote's Answered Prayers. In ways, it shows Harriet as someone who does not distort the truth, but someone who can give an honest perspective on the perceptions people can have on one another. #EN285WLU2

@tlynne098 Good point Taya, Harriet's independence shows her advance with her critical thought, albeit with the authority of someone superior in order to ensure proper judgment. I also agree that it seems prevalent in tween literature #285WLU2

By taking Harriet's notebook away, Mrs. Welch is representative of the power and influence an adult authority figure can have on a young person's life. Power struggles are a characteristic of young adult literature, but this also seems prevalent in tween literature. #285WLU2