A bunch of us here at WJ are fans of Freakonomics (the book and the blog). So, it’s with pleasure that the same day we highlight Teen Read Week resources over at WebJunction, Steven Levitt gives us a sneak peek look at intended titles in his 8-year-old daughter’s bookpile.
Some of Amanda’s choices are standard fare for any teen/pre-teen’s reading list:
- Princess Sonora and the long sleep, by Gail Carson Levine and Mark Elliott
- Half Magic by Edward Eager
- Carnival at Candlelight by Mary Pope Osborne
- etc….
Normal stuff, right? But then you keep reading and right down there at the end she drops the kind of zinger you still don’t expect (had you been expecting a zinger from an 8-year-old, that is), even from a child who’s been listening to their famous economist dad. I won’t spoil the ending, but it’s worth viewing Amanda’s list for yourself.
Personally, I’m going to spy on my daughter’s night stand when I get home tonight. I don’t expect to find much indication that my work has influenced her reading choices, but then again, she’s only 7. Next year could be the big year for online community and information theory texts.
How about you? I’m sure some of you have some great stories to share. What’s the weirdest book you’ve ever seen a kid choose and why?
-Tim
I used to lead a family book club, where kids and their parents read a chapter book each month, and we all came together to discuss it. Each month, one child would bring a selection of books from which we would choose. Only kids could vote, and the child who brought the books had to convince us that each one was worth a read.
At my last book club before I moved to San Francisco, one child brought a selection of books for the next meeting. This intrepid and bright 10 year old was able to convince all of the kids–and amaze all of the parents–that Freakonomics would be the next book they discuss. (!)
Sadly, I never heard how that discussion went
I was pleased to see one of Edward Eager’s book on the list–and, frankly, surprised at how many NYT readers wrote to say how much they enjoyed his books. When I was a child, I felt like I was the one, secret fan who discovered those lost literary treasures. I still keep a copy of “Half Magic” on my bookstand in case I have a bad dream.
I saw someone mentioned Babymouse on Levitt’s post…I’ve got a 7 year old hooked on the things. Please, someone help me! I’ve got a 10 year old who’s longing for more “reading friends” and then the younger who has actually said “I don’t really like reading”…yes, more than a quandary.
Sarah, that’s awesome. I would have loved to see that 10-year-old’s powers of persuasion in action!