Navigating Challenging Themes in Classic Literature for Children

Summary: In this episode, Susan and Susanna discuss their thoughts on teaching children’s literature, particularly older books that have problematic or insensitive content. 

Show Notes: 

Articles We Reference: 

• Are some children’s classics unsuitable for kids? The Guardian
• American Indians in Children’s Literature Web Page by Debbie Reese 
• Ted Talk: The Danger of a Single Story
• Booklists and Resources for Finding Windows and Mirrors: 
  • https://www.storiesofcolor.com/
  • https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/
  • Heritage Mom Recommendations for Black History

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:14) - The inspiration for this episode
• (01:03) - Revisiting classic books with objectionable content
• (04:21) - Defining and discussing "objectionable content"
• (18:19) - How do we read these books?
• (25:04) - Break
• (25:13) - Reading classic literature in the grammar stage
• (40:38) - Susanna's experience with classic literature
• (44:32) - Windows and Mirrors
• (47:14) - Classic literature in the logic and rhetoric stage
• (48:58) - There are definitely books that should be skipped
• (52:35) - An important question to ask yourself
• (55:53) - At the end of the day
• (57:25) - Outro