Trendy Kids Books

It is perfectly true that a child will have the horrors after seeing some particular detail. It is quite equally true that nobody can possibly predict what the detail will be.”  
                                     - Christina Moustakis, 1988.

When selecting books with violent ideas or images, recognizing a child’s level of thought development is crucial for finding an age appropriate read. Children’s stories with violent themes should serve as learning tools with clear, age appropriate messages.

Children should not be exposed to violent books that will leave them with haunting memories. Selecting stories with age appropriate themes, like bulling, provide a platform to discuss conflict resolution and open communication. Supplemental conversation on violent themes gives children the support and resources to be confident in the face of danger or conflict. 

Read more about theories on violence in children’s books from the academic journals used by this article:

Atwood, J. D., & Donnelly, J.W. (2002).The children’s war: their reactions to          devastating events. The Family Journal,10(11), 11-18.
Moustakis, C. (1982). A plea for heads: illustrating violence in fairy tales. Children’s Literature Association Quarterly, 7(2), 26-30.
Sallcup, J. (2002). Power, fear, and children’s picture books. Children’s Literature, 30, 125- 158.