Books that Socialize Children

Introduction

Books are considered by many to be teachers and enforces of the lessons of life. Beginning in early childhood, we are encouraged to read. Often, our knowledge and perceptions of the world are formed with the help of books. Awards are given for books considered to be outstanding for children, and the most prestigious of these awards is the John Newbery Medal. Ever since the medal was first awarded in 1922, each book that has received the Medal is sought after and recommended by educators, librarians and parents. This serves as a way to introduce and reinforce certain values to children; it provides an easy list of acceptable books to choose.

The written word is instilling in today's children the values they will cherish and act upon in the future. While television is probably the most influential media, books nonetheless play a large role in the socialization of youth. They are shaping children's perceptions of the world. How are today's children being socialized? This paper looks at the messages that prevail in modern children's literature, specifically recent recipients of the John Newbery Medal.

A Short Background of the John Newbery Medal

The man that the medal was named for, John Newbery, is considered the first person to write and publish books for children. He recognized the potential to influence children through the use of books. Newbery's books include fables, rules of behavior, rhymes, puzzles, lectures and moral stories (Sutherland, p. 66). He hoped that by creating books that appealed to children he could influence them to espouse the ideas considered proper in eighteenth century England.