Is Stonewords Appropriate for Children?

        I mentioned in class that I did not particularly like this book.  I do see where some children may be able to relate to this book concerning abandonment and having imaginary friends.  However, I don't see this book as always addressing these issues in a healthy way.  I do not, in any way, find Zoe Louise to be a healthy imaginary friend, often intimidating, controlling, scaring, and restricting Zoe.  Zoe accepts this treatment on her own will; I don't want children to think that this kind of treatment is normal and healthy.  Not every relationship in the world is healthy; children's books, I believe, if dealing with this issue, need to have the main character overcome or get out of that relationship.  That doesn't happen in this book and I don't appreciate that at all.  This is not a book that I would recommend to young readers.
     
          - Jaimie LaMont, October 27,  1999
       

       Another view of Stonewords
       Back to Children's Literature Study Web
      Page designed and maintained by:

        A. Waller Hastings
        Northern State University
        Aberdeen, SD 57401
      Last updated: November 2, 1999