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jchant's review
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Author Mitali Perkins revisits several classics of children's literature—all but one of which I have read—and delves into what makes them classics, as well as aspects of each that make today's reader cringe, such as racism, misogyny, colonialism, etc. The book makes some excellent points, but I was a bit put off by Perkins' insertion of her own religious views throughout. The book did give me a lot to ponder, however, and her questions at the end of each chapter were a nice addition.
aperrey's review
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
I read this book in short spurts over the first quarter of the year. Perkins is a thoughtful reader, and engages classical children’s fiction from a Christian world view. Since I bought the book on the recommendation of Karen Swallow Prior, I knew what to expect. This book is similar to Prior’s Booked, but Perkins is quicker to point out racial and cultural issues than Prior.
As a nonwhite author, Perkins has pointed out places where European white prejudices may surface. Frankly, I found the last two chapters uncomfortable reading, but Steeped in Stories will influence my future reading and might do the same for you.
As a nonwhite author, Perkins has pointed out places where European white prejudices may surface. Frankly, I found the last two chapters uncomfortable reading, but Steeped in Stories will influence my future reading and might do the same for you.
thewintersings's review
I know the author is Christian, but there were just so many references to the bible. In some chapters, it was constant. I carry some sensitivity related to Christianity, and I just can't take anymore.
jedireader1138's review
3.0
I really enjoyed this book. I was also able to attend a Zoom call with the author. She was incredibly sweet and humble, and has such a desire for children to be exposed to good literature but also become discerning and compassionate human beings—being kind to those who are different from them and learning about and celebrating other cultures. Her hope and belief is that we can read these classic books with our children while also navigating the parts of the books that are blatantly and sometimes subtly racist, misogynistic, etc.
hannah_monson's review
5.0
When I was 17, my mom died. That summer, I reread all of my favorite children’s books— Harry Potter, Charlotte’s Web, A Cricket in Times Square... then I read Little Women, which I’m not sure I ever read as a child (but I do remembering being traumatized by Amy in the ice in the movie), and I fell in love. The story about a mother’s love and sisters hit me at the perfect moment. (Little Women has been my favorite book since, and I now collect different editions of it—I have over 60).
Since then, I have advocated for reading children’s literature in hard times. Recently when a friend was getting divorced, I recommended Anne of Green Gables (she cried).
I’ve never really known why children’s literature is the perfect salve for the soul, but I’ve thrown around theories (especially while getting my masters to become a children’s librarian). But Perkins gets it. She so eloquently says everything that I felt but couldn’t understand or vocalize.
What a beautiful book exploring 7 incredible children’s classics (6 of which I have read). Not only should every children’s librarian read this but every adult to whom I have ever (or will ever) recommend a children’s book— so, basically all of the adults in my life.
Perkins is not shy in calling out racism, injustice, colonialism, and other -isms seen, particularly, in older literature. However, rather than encourage censorship, she encourages deep engagement. Children will encounter warped views in the world, what better way to learn to see, dissect, and confront them than in literature? While none of the books discussed is perfect, they all have virtues to emulate and problems to learn from.
Since then, I have advocated for reading children’s literature in hard times. Recently when a friend was getting divorced, I recommended Anne of Green Gables (she cried).
I’ve never really known why children’s literature is the perfect salve for the soul, but I’ve thrown around theories (especially while getting my masters to become a children’s librarian). But Perkins gets it. She so eloquently says everything that I felt but couldn’t understand or vocalize.
What a beautiful book exploring 7 incredible children’s classics (6 of which I have read). Not only should every children’s librarian read this but every adult to whom I have ever (or will ever) recommend a children’s book— so, basically all of the adults in my life.
Perkins is not shy in calling out racism, injustice, colonialism, and other -isms seen, particularly, in older literature. However, rather than encourage censorship, she encourages deep engagement. Children will encounter warped views in the world, what better way to learn to see, dissect, and confront them than in literature? While none of the books discussed is perfect, they all have virtues to emulate and problems to learn from.
stacikristine's review
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
I can tell this book was a labor of love. I really enjoyed revisiting these books (and being persuaded to read the one book that I haven't read before) and thinking about the incredible virtues and vices within their pages. I also appreciated the way the author addressed the issues of racism, etc in classic books. From time to time, it felt more like a persuasive essay, which was harder for me to connect with. But I appreciated the author's thoughts.
darthchrista's review
4.0
“In the face of fiery arguments over censorship and jus-
tice, which I'm certain will continue, let's keep dreaming
of a world full of astute young readers encountering a wide
variety of many stories. The mystery of a beloved story is that it intersects with the reader's particular hero's journey, so we can empower young people to forage freely and find their own favorites. The more stories they choose, the less a single one commandeers the power to form their souls.
In that golden era, we'll have taught children to think
critically about books, both in the present and in the past,
by educating ourselves and modeling a breadth and depth
of story consumption. Thanks to advocacy, consumption,
and creativity, new books will be penned by a diversity of
authors and read widely. Those stories will decolonize our
imaginations and become classics that stay in print and on
libraries' shelves.” pg 28
tice, which I'm certain will continue, let's keep dreaming
of a world full of astute young readers encountering a wide
variety of many stories. The mystery of a beloved story is that it intersects with the reader's particular hero's journey, so we can empower young people to forage freely and find their own favorites. The more stories they choose, the less a single one commandeers the power to form their souls.
In that golden era, we'll have taught children to think
critically about books, both in the present and in the past,
by educating ourselves and modeling a breadth and depth
of story consumption. Thanks to advocacy, consumption,
and creativity, new books will be penned by a diversity of
authors and read widely. Those stories will decolonize our
imaginations and become classics that stay in print and on
libraries' shelves.” pg 28