Dystopian novels like 1984 and Brave New World
are the kinds of books you do not expect children to read. They present an impending bleak world where
governments control all aspects of their citizens’ lives.
Since the late
1990’s there has been an explosion of dystopian novels marketed to young adults
and children as young as 9 or 10. Some
examples include The Giver, Hunger Games and others by Suzanne
Collins, the City of Ember series, the Among the Hidden series
and The Eleventh Plague. Here we
have the same bleak futuristic worlds but with simpler language. Some stories present corrupt governments,
while others portray anarchy. In each
of them life is about survival with limited resources, often featuring a
collapse of the technologies (electricity, cars, medical knowledge) we take for
granted in North America. Are such
books really a benefit to children?
This style of book
has some positive elements. The lead
characters are often resilient and resourceful in the face of oppression. The confidence of children
can be built up as they read about such courage. As well, in the Among the Hidden series where population
control is government policy, students can learn that such practices have been
used in other countries and see for themselves why they are immoral.
Having said this,
it is crucial for educators and parents to read the books their children are
reading. Discussion and reassurance may
be necessary; some children may not be ready for a certain book until they are
older. As in most things, balance is
needed. A child’s reading diet needs elements
of delight, surprise, humour, escape and security as well as these serious
issues.
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