OyMG by Amy Fellner Dominy (Walker 2011) talks about a subject not often found in books for tweens and teens: religion, spirituality, and religious identity. Ellie has been accepted into a prestigious summer camp for speech and drama students. She hopes that her talent will win her a scholarship to school in the fall. There are a few hurdles, first. One is to deal with her grandfather, Zeydeh, who is concerned that the camp is run by a Christian organization and Ellie is Jewish. A second hurdle presents itself in the form of the stunningly handsome Devon, grandson tot he woman who decides who will win the scholarship to Benedict's. Ellie seems to get tongue tied around him: not good for someone who wants to succeed in oratory. And then there is Devon's grandmother. <527>
Dominy considers issues of racism and prejudice and how being silent is actually being complicitous. She does so with a light but firm touch so that readers will pause and consider how they must learn to speak up when faced with prejudice even in humor. I also have to admit that I now have a craving for some good matzo ball soup, too.
I think its important for there to be a great selection of books dealing with religion. I think religion is definitely a topic that each teenager deals with and questions from time to time, so to be able to find characters and subjects that kids can relate to is crucial. #LS5385
ReplyDeleteLiving in a location that is predominately dominated by one religion, I think it is important for children to be exposed to how other people believe. A fun read can help create a sense of tolerance and acceptance in a child who might not otherwise be exposed to life outside their "box".
ReplyDeleteI too agree with Tracy. It is important to have a variety of books that deal with religion and the issues revolving around it such as racism and prejudice.
ReplyDeleteLS5385
ReplyDeleteReligion is a touchy subject to have in one's library, but it is necessary to have in a collection. It will help students relate to religion and the prejudices people have in relation to this topic.