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Some books are written for children to read to themselves and some are written for parents to read to their children. There is a difference in the appearance and content of the two types of books. Generally, books that are written to be read by children between, the ages of four and eight, have big, bold type, small words, short sentences, and clear drawings or pictures of what is going on. Books to be read by the parents will have smaller type, more complex words, and pictures that are less descriptive of the content, allowing the parent to further describe the content. Some information resources cover material that can be understood cognitively (intellectually) by children; others cover material or present it in such a way that it is inappropriate for a child’s developmental stage either cognitively or emotionally.
Inappropriate reading level or pictures can be used as an argument to keep information out of a library or at least out of the children’s section. This presentation discusses three books aimed at children ages from four to eight years of age. The content of these books is controversial, but what we look at is a combination of factors. Is the content the only problem or is it the way in which it is presented? Should these books be shelved so children will read them themselves, or should they be placed in a different section, so the parents can read them to the children? Should these books be in the children's section at all? Should they be in the library at all? What do different ethical theories say?
The book Where Did I Come From?, by Peter Mayle, describes the reproductive process from intercourse to birth. It is very detailed and vividly describes the sensations of sexual intercourse. Children are curious about where babies come from. Children in this age group will often know of women having babies; their mothers or other relatives or friends. They are old enough to ask questions about the process such as ‘How does a baby get into their mommy’s tummy?” There is a need for information on reproduction in an age appropriate manner, without resorting to stories of storks or cabbage patches.
The issue with books concerning sexual education is how they present the material for the targeted age group. A simple presentation of facts about the differences between men and women, a general overview of intercourse and how a baby grows is usually enough to satisfy most young children. This particular book goes beyond that in its content. The pictures may be offensive to some and although graphic, are not titillating. Also for a book trying to give a complete view of sex and how babies are made, it does not clearly indicate that not every act of intercourse leads to conception.
The main issue with this book is its description of intercourse. It tries to convey what an orgasm feels like by describing it in terms a child could understand. This presents several difficulties. As seen from child development theories, children in this age group can be very literal. Describing orgasms as like tickling or experiencing a feeling like you’re going to ‘pop’ can be very confusing. A child could liken being tickled to having sex. They may visualize themselves as actually popping open, like a balloon, a frightening image. Also questions are raised: Is it really necessary information for young children to know what an orgasm feels like? Or is this an example of providing more information than needed? It has been suggested by those who have experienced childhood sexual abuse and those who work with its victims that this description makes intercourse seem OK to children, since its just ‘tickling’.
There are two versions of Heather Has Two Mommies by Leslea Newman. The version without the description of how Heather was conceived by artificial insemination is used in this discussion. When Heather starts pre-school she learns other children have daddies but she does not. The book discusses that families can be different (mom/dad, single parent, two dads, parent/stepparent, etc), but what is important is that she is well loved. Newman and illustrator Diana Souza created the book because children's books reflecting a nontraditional family did not exist. The third book, Daddy's Roommate by Michael Willhoite, is also about homosexual relationships. A boy discusses how his father lives with another man after a divorce, describes them participating in everyday activities and he learns that love comes in many forms.
The topic of homosexuality is controversial and many see it as a deviant lifestyle. These books are frequently attacked because they are accepting of homosexuality. However they proved to be popular by providing books about gay and lesbian parents that were not previously available. Even with all the controversy Heather Has Two Mommies has become a cultural reference, as shown in a New Yorker cartoon .
Utilitarian Theories Duty Based Theories Rights Based Theories Existential Theories
