26 January 2010

Scholastic goes goth

For tweenie readers who might be more inclined to combat boots than Uggs, Scholastic has introduced a new range of middle grade chicklit. We've seen the sparkly Candy Apple books. Now readers can sink their teeth into the Poison Apple books! I have to admit, my heart sang when I saw this in a recent publisher's catalog. I don't object to books like the Candy Apple books; they are popular for a reason. Their coloful covers, the ubiquitous subjects of boys and popularity and summer fun--and don't forget the glitter. What's not to love? They fly off our shelves. However......

Publishers feed girls a diet of princesses and pink from the moment they can reach for a book from their pushchairs. Maybe the Poison Apple series is just a cynical ploy to steer girls towards "alternative" books while still coralling them within the brand; Goosebumps meets the Beacon Street Girls. I don't know--I've yet to read one. Judging from the first title, this looks to be a series headed for horror. I suppose vampires are inevitable. But even if the Poison Apple books are just a waiting room for readers not yet ready for Lois Duncan or Caroline Cooney, I'm holding out the hope that it evolves into something slightly subversive and totally without glitter.

4 comments:

The1stdaughter said...

Yeah, I'm not big on glitter, pink, princesses or the opposite for boys when it comes to making them out to be the next football MVP. Thus the reason neither of our kids (both under 3) have many gender specific items with the exception of things they picked out. I'm sure this will change as they get older.

But it's nice to see something different than the typical for girls. I'm not 100% sold on it, but I'd definitely like to take a look at it. Thanks for the review, I'll keep my eyes out for it.

Stacy Dillon said...

From the cover alone, I have a *bunch* of girls who are going to be excited about this one!

Kara Schaff Dean said...

I did the cover test on my 9 year old, and she said she preferred The Poison Apple cover. Could have been the heavy use of purple or the girl's tartan skirt; she has not been completely de-glittered just yet ;)

William Schaff said...

Nice review, sis. Good choice of books.

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