As a teacher, this book reminds you that young children can 'hang' on to every word and idea a teacher supports. It reminded me of an incident in my elementary classroom few years ago. I can't remember the specific topic of discussion, but one of the students said, "I like how you present information." I told her that it is very important to do your OWN research, not rely on news media outlets, especially in today's world. She said, "Well, I am going to rely on you! You do enough research for this class, you must read it all." I immediately said, "Don't EVER rely on someone else to do your research. YOU must research to fully understand your beliefs, your ideas." It scared me to think at the age of 11, she was so willing to believe what another person said. In my classroom, I make sure multiple sides are covered; I make sure students understand why each side thinks the way they do, or might behave the way they do. But, I do know that this is not what happens in all classrooms.This book is an example of what could happen (and in some respects, has happened already). Teachers, if we do not explain why we do, study, or practice, what we do in the classroom, we are conditioning children to do things without thought, to do without understanding why, to perpetuate the "well, this is what we always do" mentality that exists EVERYWHERE in society.This should be required reading for all teachers, and, the first BACK TO SCHOOL activity all classes in America should do is study what the Pledge of Allegiance really means.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6...This book was a gift of my BC friend. Knowing I like James Clavell, she thought I might like this book by him too. And she was right. I think it is not really a book for children, I think it is more for teens. Children do not have very much insight in how 'people work', how people can manipulate and be manipulated. For grown ups it can be an eye opener, makes very clear how easy it is to maniputale children, let them believe what you want. Even the ones that are sceptical can be turned into the direction you want to. For parents of young children it is a warning that you should try to know what is going on in your child's life e.g. at school like in this little book. I liked it a lot!!
What do You think about The Children's Story (1989)?
I would put this book in the genre of Anti-communist lit, with that said it is one of of my favorite books in that genre. I thought I see the point of anti-communist lit, I don't normally like this genre, and only read it when I'm assigned. I thought this book was excellent at making me think. I would recommend this book to everyone. I like the book because it doesn't give you specifics of a closed society, it just presented a way that the apathy of our Nation could give way quickly and easily to communism. It really made me think about my own patriotism, and what I pledge to believe and support. Hopefully I'll remember this book, and teach my children more than just lip service.
—Lesli
There are many lessons that can come from such a short story. Yes, there are details about certain things that children should know before reading this book with them. However, after learning for example the meaning a our nation's pledge, children in 5th grade and up can generate lively and informative discussions. If your family has a firm foundation in your faith and they are firm in their patriotic duties, then this book should not be feared. Read it first and decide if it will be right for your own family. If it is, then have those fantastic talks that this book will bring up. If you plan on using the book in the classroom, send a copy home for parents to read and let them decide if they want their children involved in reading it as a class. Each child should have a copy of the book as it is being read. The text of the book is important to see, it adds to the story. It takes about 15 minutes to read, but the discussions can go on for a long time.
—Rhonda Cooper Russell
