Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Description:
Updated summer 2015! The Secular Book List contains almost 4000 secular
children’s books which have been evaluated for appropriateness of content. This
list is designed to enable parents and educators to choose secular reading
material which is suitable to be read by Jewish children. An explanation for the
criteria used for evaluation is included.
The Secular Book List is available in four formats:
1. Secular Book List: Complete List of Books (A_00663). CURRENT
FILE. This item contains the entire list of evaluated books, including those
books which were not approved. Detailed comments on each book are
provided to help adults discern the appropriateness of content. Download
this item for all books which have been reviewed by this contributor.
How to download:
Download the print-ready PDF file for the non-editable version of the Secular
Book List: Complete List of Books, criteria for evaluation and lesson plan.
OPTIONAL: Download the Excel file for an editable version of the Secular
Book List: Complete List of Books. (Does not include lesson plan or criteria
for evaluation.)
A_00663
If you would like one of the other formats of the Secular Book List (listed
above) search Chinuch.org for “Secular Book List” and select the item of your
choice.
Goals/Objectives:
Parents and teachers will use this comprehensive list to determine the
appropriateness of books for their children and students.
Instructions:
1. Read carefully through the cover sheet to understand the rationale and
methods behind this book list.
2. Make sure to only give out to students the approved book list without the
comments.
3. Happy reading!
Additional Tips:
Please note that this list includes detailed (and sometimes graphic)
comments. It is only meant to be used by adults. For a list of books to give
to children to take to the library, please see Secular Book List: Approved
Books Only (A_00663-03).
A Classics Analysis List, which discusses the classics frequently assigned
in schools, is also available on Chinuch.org. Search “Classics Analysis”.
Revised 8/18/2010
Dear Parents and Teachers,
As concerned mothers we have noticed that the quality and content of the books available
to our children leaves much to be desired. As voracious readers ourselves, we know that
the words a child (or adult!) reads can leave a permanent impression on his or her
neshama. We also recognize that many children need the outlet that reading provides.
We have therefore undertaken BE”H to compile an ongoing list of books that we have
checked so that we can more easily provide our children with appropriate reading
material.
The attached list is made up of our own personal opinions. It is not officially endorsed by
any Rav or Yeshiva. It is entirely possible that we may have erred or overlooked some
problems, or that you will disagree with our assessments. We apologize for any
mistakes or unclear recommendations.
The complete list is not meant to be used by children, as the comments column
contains information that is inappropriate for them. If you wish to give a list to a child to
take to the library, please use the “approved only” version, which does not have
comments.
Introduction
Each person has different levels of sensitivity about problematic issues in books.
Please pay close attention to our “comments” column so that you can make your own
judgments. As often as possible we include page numbers so that you can more easily
decide on a book’s appropriateness for a particular child or group. Please bear in mind
that a book which may be acceptable for one child may be entirely inappropriate for
another, depending on the child’s maturity, reading level, reading style (i.e., skims vs.
reads carefully), and personality.
Our main reasons for labeling a book as being problematic, fall into the basic
categories listed below. Occasionally a book does not fit into any of these categories, but
the overall tone is problematic. When this is the case, we will note it in the “comments”
column.
Religion
Books that actually glorify or describe in detail another religion, are considered
questionable or unacceptable, depending on frequency, length, and importance to plot.
When we feel that pages can be torn out or lines crossed out without ruining the story
line, we note page numbers. Please note that we chose to use the term “J—“ for the
subject of Christian worship. (Please note that the comments are meant for use by frum
people; please be sensitive if sharing the list with non-frum or non-Jewish teachers).
Books that mention religion in passing, or use a holiday as the setting without
discussing it in religious terms, will often have a OK? or an “OK” with a comments. We
will note if the religion is mentioned in a neutral way (eg: “he prayed” - without
describing the prayers; quotes from the Old Testament; etc.).
Books that bring up hashkafik issues (eg, evolution, dinosaurs, age of the world,
etc.) will be noted in the comments section with a suggestion for parental (or teacher)
guidance in discussing these topics with the child before he reads the book. Detailed
hashkafik issues in a book will often render it “N”.
Language
Books that are filled with objectionable language are considered “not
recommended”. Books with only a few unacceptable words will be generally be noted in
the comments. We differentiate between major language (real curses), minor language
(words that are not curses but we don’t permit in our homes), slang and street language
(rough language, unrefined language that sets a tone that a parent or teacher may not
like), and bathroom language (self explanatory – usually very juvenile).
Acceptability of language is dependant on the age of the intended audience.
Minor language that would be unacceptable in an early grade school book, may be noted
with “?” in a book intended for older readers.
A well written book for older readers, which has no major issues other than a lot
of minor language, or some major language, will generally be rated “OK??”.
Violence
Often violence in books is not considered universally problematic; it can be hard
to judge. For example, an historical fiction book about the Civil War will have some
gory battle scenes; a survival book may have man vs. animal violence; a fantasy book
may have fights with or between magical creatures who are obviously not realistic. We
try to note violence in the comments section and leave it to the parent/teacher to decide.
Real violence and bullying among real people, that is glorified or exciting, may render a
book “N”.
Middos
Ideally, we wish all books would model good Middos for our children, but this is
unfortunately not the case. Books which describe truly horrible Middos are considered
“N”, especially when it is the main focus of the story. If minor, it is mentioned in the
comments; we also note whether the character seems to learn his lesson at the end of the
book.
This list may be copied, in whole or in part, as long as it is not revised and includes this cover page
This list is usually changed every 1-2 years
Clark, Margaret G. Mystery of Sebastian Island 6-8 N? Boy and girl uncover drug smugglers. Girl likes boy and wants to be alone with
him
Clark, Margaret G. The Latchkey Mystery 3-5 OK A group of latchkey kids form a neighborhood watch and capture robber. Boy
and girl come to like each other but totally platonic.
Clarke, J Teddy B Zoot 2-3 OK Cute. Bear goes to school at night to find his owner's math homework.
Clarke, Susanna Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell 11+ OK??
Two British magicians revive the use of magic in 18th century England. This is a
well-written, very long (800+), adult-level book, which is for the most part "clean"
(considering age level). Some language: hell, damn, "whoreson". One drawing
of woman in low-cut gown (p. 418). Some very minor passing references to:
kissing, female anatomy, mistresses, illegitimate children, Christian ritual,
woman who left her husband for another man who later dumped her, man who
seduced his sister. Some violence.
Clayton, Emma The Roar 6-8 OK? In futuristic world, all people live behind a wall on 1/3 of the world, supposedly to
protect them from animals with violent plague. Children are recruited for army
that will take back rest of world. Minor language: butt, pee, freakin', shut up.
Made-up curse words: frag, fraggin, perp, "Oh my odd!". Passing mention of pre-
historic humans, 35,000 years ago; millions of years. Non-romantic negiah. Boy
and girl are friends - boy thinks she is pretty, and one mention he "loves" her, but
mostly seem to be good friends - could get stronger in later books. Father and
mother cuddle/kiss.
Cleary, Beverly Dear Mr. Henshaw 4-6 OK? a boy writes to an author about parents' divorce and trucker father who often
forgets about him. Talk of "whooping it up" at rest stop with waitresses - doesn't
explain. Parent should decide if this book is for their child.
Horvath, Polly The Happy Yellow Car N A girl tries to find money to enter "Pork Fry Queen" contest. Older sister lies
about her family to boy she is dating; eventually elopes with her parents
permission so he shouldn't meet them. Lots of JC and Minor language: dumb,
darn, heck, darn you, shut up, goldarnit, dadblast it, slut. Boy puts arm around
girl's waist.
Horvath, Polly The Trolls 4-6 N?
An eccentric aunt comes to babysit and tells children strange and scary stories.
A few mentions of Halloween and trick-or-treat. Discussion of romance between
aunt and man with "beautiful pants and lovely ankles". Language: hell.
Note on series: The second grade heroine is the antithesis of Junie B Jones and
similar heroines. She is polite, friendly, optimistic, and generous. Her big brother
is almost always kind to her. Her parents and extended family are loving,
supportive, and understanding. She works hard to achieve her goals and is
almost always successful. The most "naughty" thing about this book is that her
dog's name is "Ugly Brother". The only real issue with this series is that she
wishes she could be a beauty queen (never describes what this means in detail
but mentioned numerous times in every book) and she frequently practices her
beauty queen wave and smile and measures her behavior against what a "real"
beauty queen would do eg. a beauty queen shares so I will too, a beauty queen
is happy for the other team that they won, so I will be too, etc.In her mind (and
soon to be in the reader's mind) a beauty queen is perfection. At the back of
each book the reader is invited to use a code to enter a website which hasn't
been reviewed. In this book, girl enters contest to be the "queen "of a local
blueberry festival. Girl uses internet to enter contest. Grandparents sit on a porch
swing holding hands "like the true sweethearts they are"- text and illustration.
Father holds mother's hand as they wait to hear if she won a contest. Mention of
watching "Miss America" beauty contest. One word mention of church. Girls in
contest look like "movie stars". One sentence mention of country radio show.
She stands in the dress shop to try on dresses in her slip because "it is classy".
new Peschke, Marci Kylie Jean Dancing Queen 2-4 OK??
See note on series. Girl auditions to be in ballet "Swan Lake"- story briefly
summarized. Girl saves the day when she offers volunteers her high school age
brother to dance the male role where he needs to pick up the ballerina (who is
his cousin). Ballet culture. ONe word mention of movie theater. TV. Class goes
on a trip to see the ballet "Cinderella"- story briefly summarized.
new Peschke, Marci Kylie Jean Drama Queen 2-4 OK? See note on series. Girl competes with a mean, new girl to be a part in the class
play.Play is "Alice in WOnderland"- mention that it is a movie. New girl exhibits
very bad midos but she eventually wins her over with kindness.TV. Language-
gross.shut up, weird.
Spinelli, Jerry Wringer N A boy worries about his upcoming birthday when he will be expected to
participate in a fundraiser for his local park, where adults shoot pigeons and
boys wring the necks of the wounded birds to put them out of their misery. Very
poor middos displayed by boy's friends and boy often joins them due to peer
pressure. Many brief non-religious references to Xmas. 10 year old boy and 9
year old girl have a very friendly relationship - not overtly romantic but possibly
implied. She kisses the end of his nose and laughs (p. 131). Language - dumb,
stupid