Storified tweets about gendered books

 

Comments

[RIGFY]

I like how the long fb comment mentioned his qualifications for using "princess" in a title that would interest boys...without realizing that it was a perfect plot-summary of "Princess in Black". I may just have to change the OCLC 520 line when I'm at work tomorrow, we'll see if circs go up!

[shannons#1fan]

You could never imagine how much I love your books. I read all four Bayern books in three days and immediately read them again. I gobbled up the Princess Academy and Ever After High series. There’s a special place in my heart for Book of a Thousand Days. Dangerous is so gritty, so thrilling. I was sweating while I read it.
This year my Halloween costume will definitely be Isi. I knitted Isi’s sweater from Gilsa in the Goose Girl and I’m going to wear it this October. I’m not blonde but I don’t really care, Isi’s cool.
I’m also going to make a blanket for my bed with pictures of all your characters on it. I’m your #1 fan. This is my bookshelf, from left to right, kid you not:
Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets, Forest Born, Book of a Thousand Days, Princess Academy, Palace of Stone, Forgotten Sisters, Dangerous, Storybook of Legends, Unfairest of them All, Wonderlandiful World.
I’m 12 years old, so my mom won’t let me read your adult ones, and I might be done with Princess in Black in the time it takes to drive home from the bookstore. Keep on writing. You’re doing great. I’d love to see sequels for Forest Born and Dangerous if you want my opinion.
By the way, a commenter called Alaina posted this and I agree about it. Would you be so kind to let us write Bayern books? I know they’re your characters, but I have a few ideas.

State the problem: We’re Bayern addicts.
Admit your own error: We are too pushy about writing another one and shouldn’t be telling you what to write.
State the error of the other party: But you are such a darn good writer that you leave us desperate for another book.
Propose specific compromises: If you write another Bayern novel, we will rave about it and tell every bookstore, library, and reading group what a great book it is.
Invite mutual acceptance: We’re willing to promote your work if you can create a piece of literature like your previous four Bayern books.
Illustrate the positive of acceptance and negative of refusal: Doing this will increase your fame, popularity, and wealth. If you don’t accept, we may be so glum that we can’t bear to read another book : ) ha-ha just kidding
Assert a deadline for acceptance: Please accept soon because we are running out of patience and I’m about to go nuts if I have to wait any longer for a Bayern book.
Otherwise, if you’re okay with it, I’ll write my own Book of Bayern and continue the series for the rest of us readers who love your fantasy world.

Well put, huh?
I love you soooooo much : )

[Emily]

@shannons#1 fan, No offense, but you aren't Shannon's Number One Fan. I'd say we are tied. Since you are such a big fan, please, please, please collaborate with me on the Shannon Wiki. http://shannonhale.wikia.com/wiki/Shannon_Hale_Wiki
And you like the Books of Bayern, so maybe help with the Books of Bayern wiki, too? http://booksofbayern.wikia.com/wiki/Books_Of_Bayern_Wiki
I'm sorry Shannon, this is sort of spam... but I need help. I'm doing it alone.

[Katherine]

Thank you so much for bringing these issues awareness. It's a problem that continues to permeate throughout society. The truth is, both men AND women need to have a voice. There would be and is no balance otherwise. One thought I got while reading your own and others' twitter posts on the subject is how the segregation between "girl books" and "boy books" can impact the girls. Some may think that it only affects the boys: they get too embarrassed to read a supposedly girl-oriented book. However, it also can scar girls in so many ways. For example, they may think they have to act certain ways in order to attract the boys (e.g. more masculine, less emotional), which is false and has assisted in causing serious issues such as lack of communication, the fear/stigma of vulnerability and admitting to grief, domination in relationships, and the decline of etiquette.
Lastly, both boys and girls are more likely to suffer from depression if they're taught from a very young age to measure their worth according to impossible social ideals and requirements, including the social perspectives on who they universally should or should not be as boys and girls.

Thank you again for your posts. I have truly enjoyed reading and been inspired by your books!

[shannons#1fan]

@Emily, if you want help on the Wiki, you can check out Shannon's bios on the site. My mom might freak if she found out I posted on the Wikipedia. I am 12, after all.
I forgot to mention, my room is full of about 500 drawings of your characters. I've even made a book bag with Isi, Enna, Dasha, Razo, and Rin on it.
By the way, I heard Shannon once put in a bio that she lives with her plastic pig. Ha ha! Funny enough, she was born in the Year of the Pig in China. She's a Yin Water Pig. No offense meant, I'm not trying to call you a pig.
You are my favorite author of all time. You deserve multiple Newbery awards and the Nobel Literature prize. JK Rowling who?
Sorry, JK, but Shannon's got you beat.
It's too bad I've never been able to meet you in person. We live near Minneapolis, so it'd be a trek to get to Salt Lake, but I'm certainly going to try convincing Mom and Dad to take me.
Your writing is so good, I can't look at a Gail Carson Levine or a Jessica Day George without thinking, "Too bad it's not Shannon".
Love,
Your Biggest Fan Ever

[Ennagirl]

Yeah, Shannon deserves the greatest honor of all time for her books.
I wish i could nominate the best books of the year.
I'm a girl but I read a few books with boys in them, and i got my brother to read Goose Girl.
I, like Alaina, am so eager for another Bayern book.
I do like GCL and JDG, shannons#1fan, but you're right, Shannon's the queen.
I live in Kansas so i haven't gotten to meet Shannon either, but I'm hoping i get to.

[shannons#1fan]

Emily, if you’re looking for help on the Wiki, I did a piece here on Goose Girl. You can paraphrase a little if it helps.
Her first published book, The Goose Girl, was rejected nine times before being published in 2003 by Bloomsbury Children’s Books. It is based on the story of the Goose Girl. It received the 2003 Josette Frank Award, 2003 Utah Speculative Fiction Award, Utah Children’s Book Award, and 2004 Humpty Dumpty Chapter Book Award. Justine Picardie of The Telegraph (UK) voted it her favorite children’s/young adult fantasy novel of the year. It was a finalist for the Mythopoeic Award, Ottakars Love of Reading Campaign, 2005 Beehive Award, and 2006 Great Lakes Great Books.
It was voted a Texas Lone Star Book, ALA Teens’ Top Ten, New York City Public Library's 100 Books for Reading and Sharing, 100 Best-Ever Teen Novel, ALA 2009 Popular Paperback, 2005-2006 Tennessee Book Award Master Reading List, and 2010-2011 Oregon Battle of the Books selection.

Here are some reviews for it:
"Hale’s retelling is a wonderfully rich one, full of eloquent description and lovely imagery, and with a complex plot, a large cast of characters, and a strong female protagonist. Fans of high fantasy will be delighted with this novel and impatiently await those to follow."
School Library Journal (starred review)

"In layer upon layer of detail a beautiful coming-of-age story emerges, a tale about learning to rescue yourself rather than falling accidentally into happily-ever-after. Hale uncovers her theme patiently and without preaching, focusing not on the moral but on the adventures her heroine must face in order to learn the lessons herself. The truly frightening moments are never gratuitous. Young readers may recognize parallels with their own lives in even her most magical adventures: the loneliness of feeling peculiar, the devastation of betrayal, the pride of sharing your talents and the joy of finding people to love and trust."
New York Times Book Review

"A fine adventure tale full of danger, suspense, surprising twists, and a satisfying conclusion. The engaging plot can certainly carry the tale, but Hale's likable, introspective heroine makes this also a book about courage and justice in the face of overwhelming odds. The richly rendered, medieval folkloric setting adds to the charm."
Booklist

"A beautifully textured and deeply re-imagined version of the Grimm Brothers Goose Girl . . . luscious language . . . leads to a gorgeous, dramatic climax."
Kirkus Reviews

"Dare I say it this early in her career? Shannon Hale is already, after only a few books, one of our best writers of fantasy. She is also one of those rare storytellers who can bring a jaded old reviewer like me to well-earned tears. This is a novel that is every bit as good for adults as for children."
Orson Scott Card

"[An] affecting debut novel. Those who enjoy getting lost in an enchanted world will discover here a satisfying and richly embellished retelling of a classic that communicates values still pertinent to contemporary readers."
Publishers Weekly

[shannons#1fan]

Emily, I have some Enna Burning material you can use for your Wiki.
In 2004, her second novel, Enna Burning, was published. It follows Enna, Princess Anidori’s best friend, as she learns the power and danger of fire. It was voted a New York Public Library Book for the Teen Age, an Amazon Editor’s Pick for Best Middle Grade Book of the Year, an Association of Booksellers For Children "Best Book" in the science fiction & fantasy category, a Sonderbooks Standout 2004, and ranked the best fantasy sequel by the News & Observer. It won the AML 2004 Young Adult Fiction Award.

Here are some reviews:

"Powerful and romantic."
Kirkus Reviews

"With a richly detailed setting, eloquent descriptions, a complex plot, a large cast of characters, and romance, this high fantasy will be welcomed both by fans of The Goose Girl and those who have yet to discover it."
School Library Journal

"[T]his novel's pulsing heart lies in rich writing and sharply drawn characters, elements that will be devoured by genre fans just like kindling beneath flames."
Booklist

"The new book is as charming as was the first…Hale has a deft touch with her prose and characterization. The story is fast-paced and satisfying. These books are marketed as YA, but they’re as much YA as the work of Patricia McKillip or Diana Wynne Jones when it’s marketed in the same way. The bottom line is that they’re simply good books."
Charles de Lint, Fantasy & Science Fiction

"Enna Burning is an original, thought-provoking fantasy complete with adventure, romance, realism and strong female characters who don't shirk from danger - or love. We'd expect no less from this talented writer."
Linda Johns, Authorlink.com

"A poignant exploration of dependency, abuse, and recovery but also a finely crafted fantasy, this novel will be appreciated as much for its reflection of the real world as for its development of a complex imaginary realm."
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"[M]esmerizing, page-turning...Great action, exquisite writing, excellent character development, and a wonderful ending."
Bill's Best Books, ALAN

"[A] powerful novel, rich in magic and wonder. Highly recommended."
Terri Windling, Endicott Studio

"Hale’s lyrical language creates a vivid fairy-tale world complete with details that allow the reader to experience the harsh land of Bayern, the strange beauty of fire, the frightening final battle and the bond of friendship between the girls. This story goes far beyond the usual magical props to tell a story of heart and depth."
Washington Parent

"Capture, drugs, deception, escape, death, and final victory for good, all take readers on a fast-paced ride into metaphorical questions that are as contemporary as tomorrow's news. Enna's story is a compelling moral tale that teens, classroom teachers, and parents will find memorable and hopeful."
Children's Literature

"The fantasy world created by Hale is rich indeed...There are horses, battles, romance, and mysticism—a combination that appeals to YA readers."
KLIATT

"As she did so well in "The Goose Girl," Hale has created natural, interesting dialogue that leads to keen understanding and culminates in a strong moral. [I]n her second [book], she proves she can create the fairy tale itself, one that has enough interest to become, over time, a classic."
Deseret News, Salt Lake City

[Emily]

@shannons#1fan, thanks so much!
Just fyi, it's not Wikipedia. It's a completely different thing. Basically, it's a free website called "Wikia" that you just go one, create a wiki, and you can add pages to it, use the built-in coding to format the pages, etc. I understand if your parents aren't comfortable with you adding to Wikipedia, but you should ask them about Wikia, as it's definitely not the same. There are thousands of separate wikis that use the Wikia platform. I guess it is a lot like Wikipedia, but not really. It's like an entire Wikipedia, but just for one thing, and with a kid-friendly lay out There are some 9-year olds on Wikia, and I'm sure many more, because you don't have to disclose any of your information to others. Also, there are lots of wikis for kid-oriented franchises. I personally have been using Wikia since I was your age.
I also have tons of drawings of the characters, but a lot of them are drafts because I try to get the Ani in my head onto paper. Ani is the hardest. Dasha I have down.
And I have the same thoughts on GCL and JDG! When I was looking through the Squeetus blogs, I found an article Shannnon wrote about
Btw, you should make more shawls and ask your mom or dad to help you sell them on Etsy. I want one so badly, but I don't know how to knit.

Shannon, you deserve a Pulitzer. I only wish that I could nominate you. If I ever get into a position that I can, will.

@Ennagirl, Shannon is definitely the queen.

^^^^^^
Just saying, this right here, the fan communication, is why we need littleredreadinghood.com back. Or I guess we could use the forum on the SHWiki if you guys want to come by? (Sorry, I am just super excited about the wiki and I want a bigger following for it. It's my baby.)

[Emily]

@shannons#1fan, also, thank you, but you don't need to post this on the blog. I am so grateful tat you would take the time to do so, truly, but I have a fairly detailed article on the wiki already (GG: http://shannonhale.wikia.com/wiki/The_Goose_Girl Enna: http://shannonhale.wikia.com/wiki/Enna_Burning). Especially for the Goose Girl. That info spills into Shannon's bio.
It would be cool if you would read them and maybe contribute (lol, I sound like a salesman or something)... just click "edit" right next to the title.

[shannons#1fan]

Sorry, I got my dates mixed up. Shannon is a Yang Wood Tiger.
I can't figure out how to draw Maisie. She's a tough one because there's no photo of her on the cover.
I counted my character drawings and they amount to 623.
Shannon, you are the best author we will see for a long time. Shakespeare who?

[shannons#1fan]

By the way, Emily, do you need help on the Dangerous wiki? I love Dangerous.
I could give a summary if it would help.

[Emily]

I haven't started a Dangerous wiki. But you can! http://www.wikia.com/Special:CreateNewWiki I'd love to help out if you do so.

[shannons#1fan]

Asked Mom about the Wiki and she says no-go. We have no social networking accounts: no Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pintrest, etc. I might be able to post some Dangerous wiki on here and you could help set it up on your site.
By the way, I knew an athlete who was involved in a scoring controversy. People were ruthless about it. She read Enna Burning and Forest Born and said they helped her see things clearly. She saw that even if she had done something bad, it didn’t define her, and she was able to keep living. She even stood up to those critics.
Shannon, you are so inspirational. That girl would’ve been in a lot of trouble, and you saved her. Thank you so much.

[Ennagirl]

Wow, that’s a powerful story, shannons#1fan! I never knew writing could be that powerful! It makes me want to write a book like that. Thank you so much, Shannon, for helping that poor girl.
Should I help on the Dangerous wiki?

[Emily]

@shannons#1fan, okay. And wow, what an inspirational story.
@Ennagirl, there isn't a Dangerous wiki, but there is a Books of Bayern wiki you could help out with: http://booksofbayern.wikia.com/wiki/Books_Of_Bayern_Wiki

Somewhat relevant article: http://www.neilgaiman.com/p/Cool_Stuff/Essays/Essays_By_Neil/All_Books_Have_Genders

[Adela Hope]

Years ago I had cheated on a school test (shame on me!) and I wasn’t too sneaky about it. The whole school figured something was up. They all gave me these looks that kind of said, “We’re on to you.”
I felt sick every time I passed someone. Then I read Forest Born. Rin’s struggle with her guilt and people-speaking was so powerful that I started crying when I reached the line “The hate that chokes your soul, the shame of cheating to get what you want, of pushing yourself up so high”. I was able to get past my wrongdoing. I wasn’t a murderer. I wasn’t a kidnapper. I was a girl who wanted something she didn’t deserve.
Sorry, I’m not trying to outdo the athlete’s story. Just telling my own. Keep on writing, Shannon. Your enchanting works can change this world. I want to give you the National Book Award. Thank you so much for helping me.
Love,
Adela Hope

[Julie]

I’m 11. Are the Jessica Day George books Princess of the Midnight Ball, Princess of Glass, and Princess of the Silver Woods OK to read even though they’re 12+? I love the Tuesdays at the Castle series and just curious if I can read her other ones. I read the Books of Bayern and didn’t have a problem, but what are JDG’s books like?

[Betsy]

Julie, you would like Jessica's princess books. They are just as much fun as her castle series - though there are some scary bad guys / possible scary moments when bad guys are hmm ... How to say it without spoilers ... Trying to pursuade the princesses to show up at the midnight balls. But my twelve year old read ad enjoyed then before turning twelve, ad I've read them multiple times and have enjoyed them every time.