In part one of this article, we examined how authors are importing challenging topics into our children’s picture books. But, chapter books for young audiences present an even greater challenge. It takes more time to review them. Michael’s 4th-grade daughter brought home a “Scholastic Gold” chapter book entitled George from her school library. Scholastic reserves their “gold” designation for books that have received, “extensive praise.”[1]  The cover looked innocent enough. The designer … [Read more...]