A New Book on Girls' Series Fiction, "Beyond Nancy Drew"
And a new review website, Orange Blossom Ordinary (QBN #12)
Dear Friends,
I never really liked Nancy Drew when I was a kid. I know, I know, lots of girls do — but I was a tomboy and her perfect hair and charmed successes were just too much for me. And the books were repetitive. I only read one or two of them before I got bored.
My eldest daughter has read most of the Nancy Drew books, however, and mystery has become one of her famous genres. Still, for her these books were merely a gateway; they were never her favorites, either.
Yet there is something about these predictable series books that attracts. I remember reading the Sweet Valley Twins books as a a kid mostly just to get to imagine what it might be like to have a twin; and of course I, like you, could name off a number of such series aimed at girls or boys from my generation.
So I was delighted to have the opportunity to think more deeply about the role, reception, and history of series fiction for girls in a fascinating new book on the topic, edited by
and Emily Hamilton-Honey:
Read my review at the brand new review site, Orange Blossom Ordinary, by clicking here:
“Rethinking American Girlhood Through Relatable Girls’ Fiction”
It’s an academic book and so a little on the pricey side, so it’s a good one to ask your local library to buy as an e-book for you!
Your turn:
Did you read book series as a kid?
Were you a Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew fan, or did you skew more Babysitters Club/Goosebumps? Or Choose Your Own Adventure?
Or were you just a hardcore American Girl aficionado (that was probably me — I loved the history sections at the back)?
Have a great day!
Did you ever read Trixie Belden? I always associate the two series in my head, although I think Trixie is geared toward slightly younger girls.
Growing up in Switzerland, I had never heard of Nancy Drew (although my daughter collected them all!). I did however read Enid Blyton's mysteries which we called "The Fantastic Five" (not sure if they had the same title here). My kids enjoyed these as well and it made for a great read-aloud. And then there was the Anne of Green Gables series of course, which reads much better in English than German :) (By chance I met the German translator in a St.John's cafe who was working on a new and improved edition). When they were younger, my boys collected the "Choose your own adventure" series, although they generally tried to find the quickest way to kill themselves or end the story in disaster. The Redwall series is their absolute favorite - we have all of them, as well as a Redwall map and cookbook! Will be sure to check out your intriguing book review :)