Jane Yolen Speaks about Messages in Children's Literature
On April 4, 2007, Friends School was blessed to have Quaker and FSM grandparent Jane Yolen come to the school to speak about the hidden (and not-so-hidden) messages in children's literature. Jane is an internationally renowned author of 300 books, most of which were written for young audiences. There were about 40 people who paid to attend plus we sold a number of books, receiving 20% of those proceeds from the discount offered by Red Balloon Bookshop. We netted around $1000 for the event. But perhaps more importantly, Jane?s message and her delivery were wonderful. It made many of us want to go out and buy lots of her books. In her presentation, she cited subliminal and direct messages found in popular children?s literature in the last 100 years or so. She also pointed out that there are many books that reflect the values of non-violence and equality, peace, integrity, and simplicity that we value so much at Friends School. Perhaps of special interest to Friends School community members are Jane?s book of non-violent stories for boys, Mightier than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys, and her book of feminist stories for girls, Not One Damsel in Distress: Folk Tales for Strong Young Women. We sold out of these books that compile international folk tales reflecting the values mentioned above. We are very grateful for Jane?s willingness to come, for Betsy and Adam Stemple?s help in organizing the Great Gathering, and for the other volunteers who helped during the event.
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