When I was 13, I still read books from the children's section of the library. I felt really self-conscious walking back there, very aware of everyone around me, worried they were all judging this teenager who was still reading children's books. In retrospect, I doubt anyone noticed or cared what I was doing, but it was a major concern for 13-year-old me. A lot of that stemmed from the fact that a lot of my friends had started reading "real adult books" ("The Hunger Games" and "Divergent") and were much too old for that "babyish" stuff I was still secretly into.
A lot of young teenagers go through phases like this. I know we all went through that awful period where Disney princesses were so embarrassing, right? At one point, we all decided we'd outgrow something only to discover a few years later that we can never really outgrow it (Disney princesses are amazing, by the way). Over the years, I've watched this happen to me and my friends, and it's made me wonder why this cycle hasn't come full circle with children's books yet.
So, here I am, in defense of the most underappreciated genre in literature. Here are six reasons why children's books are still cool.
1. They're actually pretty funny
Ok, I'll admit it: There are some cringy kid's books out there. However, there are also some hilarious ones. Don't you remember being a kid and laughing for hours about that one book that you loved? News flash: It wasn't just funny because you were a kid and kids have a weird sense of humor. It was funny because it was funny, and I bet if you reread that book, you'd be laughing yourself to tears all over again. I mean, have you ever read anything by Roald Dahl? Absolute gold.
2. They don't have love triangles
I'll admit, this is a personal one. There are people (crazy people) who just can't get enough of love triangles. All that drama, miscommunication, frustration, indecision and predictability is just really fun, isn't it?
Well, you don't have to deal with it in kids' books, most of the time. In fact, most books made for children aren't going to have much romance at all beyond childish crushes. And honestly? That's okay. In a world full of "Fifty Shades of Gray," it's okay to take a step back and enjoy something much simpler. Besides, with less romance, there's more time for the fun stuff, like dragons or thieves or magic.
3. In fact, they don't have any of those annoying young adult cliches
Ever grow tired of all these dystopian young adult novels? I mean, maybe not, but they're not the only thing you have to read! Children's books cover everything from Ancient Greece to the far-off future and everything in between. They also don't have cliches centered around romances, with girls who think they're ugly until the "perfect guy" comes along and tells them they're not (I mean, seriously, how sexist of a message is that?) and brooding bad boys who any rational girl would steer far away from becoming the main love interest. While you're discovering the amazing world of books without those tropes, notice how many children's book have a suspicious lack of the "chosen one" narrative, as well as female characters who are only around to be love interests or damsels in distress. Go on, read! You can thank me later.
4. They always have happy endings
Don't you just love a happy ending? Too often, happy endings are written off as unrealistic or stupid just for the sake of being happy. The real world isn't like that, people say. We should show that not everything turns out ok because otherwise, it's just fluff. To that I say: what on earth is wrong with fluff? What's wrong with wanting a happy ending every once in a while? When the world is as bleak as it is, we need happy endings in fiction to give us hope and light.
5. Nostalgia
Don't you ever remember those books you loved as a kid, the ones that made you feel warm and safe and happy inside and want to feel all that again? Here's the thing: You can! Nothing is stopping you from rereading those books, whether they're "Captain Underpants," "Harry Potter," or "Goodnight Moon." Read whatever you want. Let those people who want to judge you go at it. Who cares? They're one person in a world of billions. How important is their opinion, really? Hold onto those memories of your childhood. Embrace the kid in you. Use your imagination and have fun and don't let anyone stop you.
6. They've got really good messages
The one thing about children's books is that they really do try to give good advice. They're packed with inspiring quotes and dialogue that should resonate even with the oldest readers. It's not just the sort of thing kids need to hear! Who doesn't need a reminder that your friends and family are really important, that you have the power to make a change or that you should probably listen to your mom? Children's fiction is some of the best for feel-good stories where the characters learn a lesson and grow into better people.
You'd be surprised about all the topics children's fiction covers. Any time period or issue you want, there are always at least ten good children's books from several different perspectives. We are long past the days of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" being the shining pinnacle of children's fiction (and let's be honest, it never was before). There are children's books that tackle tough subjects like racism, war, and poverty in a way that kids can handle. Instead of trying to write a good novel, children's authors focus on writing a good story, and the difference here is profound. As Philip Pullman said, "There are some themes, some subjects, too large for adult fiction; they can only be dealt with adequately in a children's book... We all need stories, but children are more frank about it."
The truth is, in a world where everyone tries to be "realistic" and leave out all those "moral of the story" moments, kids' books are unapologetically good. They show that if you work hard and do what's right, you'll win in the end. Of course, adults know the world doesn't always work that way, but we see enough of that in the news. Isn't it okay to try to escape that through a good book sometimes, even if it is a children's book? That's what fiction's for, isn't it?
Let's be real: We all secretly love children's books. Whether for the reasons listed above, or some of your own, you probably harbor a secret passion for kids' books. That's okay! The only people who don't either don't like reading at all or consider themselves "too intellectual" for them (definitely not the kind of people you want to hang out with, anyway). So let's all just embrace the truth and love our children's books without shame.
