When I went to the library and asked the librarian for the controversial books that she knew, she looked for this book. She couldn't find it for quite a while and then she thought of the banned book selection at the front of the library. Supposedly it was banned books week and they had a set up at the front of the library. This book was front and center. I didn't think this book was as bad as they said. I thought this book took the whole homosexual and child issue to a very unique level. I thought it was unique how the authors used penguins to present the idea. I know it's a non-fiction story but I feel that it gives kids a different perspective of the issue and I think it makes it a little less controversial by using something other then humans to send the same message. I liked how it talked about the penguins and the different families and then mentioned the gay penguins but never explicitly say they are gay or homosexual. I liked how the author compared them to the other penguin families and showed that those penguins could take care of an offspring just as well as the other heterosexual families. Everyone watching the penguins at the zoo cheered for them and didn't see a problem with it, so I think the parents and people who have a problem with this story really need to reevaluate what they are thinking because I think the author in this book portrays the characters very innocently. After doing research and discussing the book with other people, the males take care of the egg, which could also controversial in our society.The author's note was also very informational and told the background story that wasn't included in the book.
I like that they used penguins as well. Something cute and cuddly to present a very hard topic. I feel like children with two daddies or two mommies is becoming more common these days and this book has done a good job to bring light to it.
ReplyDeletePS the story about finding the book is so predictable. Good blog.
This book sounds very interesting! Talking about homosexuality can be difficult for some people if they themselves have never been exposed to it and this book sounds like it would be a great discussion starter for kids. It was interesting to hear that the library you were at had a whole section of books that have been banned from some libraries! Children's books are usually portrayed as being "innocent" and it is interesting that there can be so much controversy in them!
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