Many people assume that writing for children is easy. They think you can just put together some cute stories about animals and their adventures. But this couldn't be further from the truth! Writing for children requires a great deal of skill and knowledge. Authors must consider many factors when crafting their stories, including how they will handle difficult topics like sex, violence, drugs, and death. This article explores three main areas where authors face ethical dilemmas when creating children's literature - visibility, ethics, and narrative responsibility.
Visibility refers to how much information an author reveals about his characters. Should he show all aspects of their lives? Or should he leave out certain details for fear of confusing or upsetting young readers?
If a character has mental health issues, should the author describe them explicitly? If so, what kind of language should he use? And if not, will the reader still understand what's going on without specific descriptions? It's important for authors to find a balance between being honest and respectful to their audience while also keeping them engaged in the story.
Ethics involves making moral decisions regarding plot development. How does an author portray negative behavior such as bullying or lying? Does she condemn it or excuse it? How does she address sensitive topics like race, class, gender identity, disability, and sexual orientation? Will her depiction of these subjects offend readers who are different from those represented in the book? She needs to be careful not to promote stereotypes but at the same time provide accurate representations that foster empathy and understanding.
Narrative responsibility is another big issue facing writers of children's books. What messages do they want their stories to convey? Do they aim to inspire courage, hope, resilience, or bravery? Are there any hidden meanings or subtexts? Authors need to consider these questions carefully before putting pen to paper because once a book goes into print, it can't be changed. They must always remember that their words have power - positive or negative - over young minds!
Writing children's literature requires much thought and care by its creators. By considering visibility, ethics, and narrative responsibility, authors can create engaging stories that both entertain and educate young readers.