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Vol. 41,
No. 3 July, 2003 Letters to the Editors To the Point: Disturbing Books Finnish Books
for Youth: No More Taboos Other Voices Constructing
a National Identity through the Adventures of a Nepali Frog Regular Features Author Spotlight:
Exploring the "Dual Reality" of Children's Lives: Niki Daly International
Children's Books of Note Sergey Mikhalkov-Our
Living Classic Congress Reflections:
IBBY Congresses since 1984 News and Announcements Call for Manuscripts Dear
Bookbird Reader, Thus, in thinking about "Controversial Children's Literature," the essential question is: what is meant by "controversial"? Certain topics may be deemed objectionable in children's literature-violence, nudity, sex, offensive language, discussion of religion, the occult, drug and alcohol abuse. However, what is questioned in one culture may not be in another. By whose standard should we decide if a book is controversial? How does the reader's age fit into this discussion, since a book considered controversial for one age might be quite appropriate for another. Then there is the issue of censorship and how it relates to controversial literature. In some countries, books have been on "banned" lists or have been questioned. What are their characteristics? Are there some authors who are considered more controversial than others? These were among the questions that we posed when we initiated the call for this themed issue of Bookbird. Some of them are answered in the articles published here, while others remain for further thought and possible future consideration. In "Disturbing Books," Joëlle Turin considers the qualities that have made certain novels for children and young adults objectionable for some readers. Her analysis probes the values of characters, how some texts maintain a sense of emotional distance for readers, how others cause readers to confront unpleasant truths, and the impact of vivid imagery on readers. In another provocative overview, Kaarina Kolu brings us up-to-date with the status of "Finnish Books for Youth." Her descriptions of young adult literature depicting fragmented family life, aimless lifestyles among the young, the search for sexual identity and enduring values, social changes, and multicultural themes demonstrate that there are few, if any, taboos in current literature published for adolescents in Finland. Both of these articles exemplify Turin's quote of Stendahl (a French author of the nineteenth century): "…a novel is a mirror that walks a great route. It presents to your eyes both the blue sky and the mud of the mire along the route. And the man who carries the mirror in his pocket will be accused by you of being immoral! Accuse instead the great road where the mire is, and also the road inspector who let the water collect and the mire form." These statements present a fine analogy with books that may contain objectionable content but are important and worthwhile because they explore themes that address and critique aspects of the human condition that we may prefer to ignore or deny with young readers. We experienced our own encounter with adult nervousness about controversial topics when a manuscript that we had accepted for publication in this issue was held back by the author. Her enlightening study of students' opinions about controversial literature had to be delayed because her school feared community reprisal if it were published at this time. Other articles in this issue explore topics unrelated to our main theme but that broaden our knowledge of children's literature around the world. Christie Davies presents the work of Eugene Trivizas, one of Greece's best-known authors for children, and analyzes the qualities of his writing that give his work such widespread international appeal: use of humor, the many levels on which his work can be enjoyed, and his transformation of the familiar in surprising, delightful ways. Finally, Sandra Williams introduces readers to a children's book from Nepal that, she argues, plays an important role in constructing a national identity for that country by its portrayal of significant settings, characters, values, and issues. In addition to our usual columns (Focus IBBY, an Author Spotlight on Niki Daly, reviews of children's books and professional literature, and news and announcements), we include a tribute to Sergey Mikhalkov, a Russian author and academician who has had a profound influence on that country's children's literature. A final contribution to this issue comes from Jay Heale, past chair of the Hans Christian Andersen Award Jury and secretary of the South African Section of IBBY. His reflections about IBBY World Congresses since 1984 set the stage for a preview of the 2004 Congress to be held in South Africa. As always, we invite your comments and manuscripts on any topic related to international children's literature for future issues of this journal. The Bookbird
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