Many of Silverstein’s books have been banned quite
frequently. Along with A Light in the Attic, number 51 on the American Library
Association’s list of 100 most frequently challenged books: 1990–1999, are two
other Silverstein classics, The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends. These
are books most of us are familiar with and yet they were all challenged at one
time or another because of controversy surrounding some of their content. So
why has Silverstein’s work been challenged so often?
The power of children’s literature for kids is that it is
regarded as a safe place to venture out and discover more about themselves. That
being said, parents and teachers do have the right to protect children from
outside influences that they deem inappropriate. I am being completely honest
in saying that some of the subject matter in Silverstein’s work includes
thoughts about death and some mention of supernatural themes.
Granted, Silverstein has a very dry and somewhat morbid view
of childhood, this happens to be what I like most about his illustrations and
poems. He writes unabashedly about childhood outside of the realm of possibility;
trying to figure his way around the question “What if?” His work is whimsical, humorous
and unapologetically humanizing. He persuades his readers to open themselves up
to the dubiousness of reality and what is considered strange and unusual. He uses
familiar settings and typical characters children can relate to in order to
transition children from the realistic world, to the world he has created.
Again, it is his perspective and his truth about the world that makes his work
so vivid and authentic.
All of this may sound romantic, but it is a formula for
successful children’s literature that makes his work so profound. He has sold
millions of copies of his work and is revered by many to be one of the most
prolific children’s book authors of his time.
Choose to read him or choose to shun his work. That is up to
a matter of individual preference. I adore his work and choose to share it with
those who do as well.
Also by:
The Giving Tree
Where the Sidewalk Ends
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