1st person children's stories.
- Thread starter jonereb
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Yes, Junie B. Jones is written in 1st person. My son has a collection of these books. Thanks for the reminder. Any other books? I'm considering writing a short story in 1st person. Need some examples.
Clementine, The Talented Clementine, and Clementine's Letter (not yet released, actually, according to amazon). Clementine is along the lines of Junie B. Jones only she isn't an obnoxious, snotty, whiny, back-talking horrorshow of a child. Despite being biased, I know Clementine rocks.
Honestly, I got partway through reading one Junie B. Jones book to a girl I nanny and decided "no effing way are we continuing with this tripe, because if Katie ever talks to anyone like that, she's losing play-date privileges for a month." Do people out there really think those books are setting a GOOD example for kids? Seriously?
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Honestly, I got partway through reading one Junie B. Jones book to a girl I nanny and decided "no effing way are we continuing with this tripe, because if Katie ever talks to anyone like that, she's losing play-date privileges for a month." Do people out there really think those books are setting a GOOD example for kids? Seriously?
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I've only read parts of Junie B. Don't think I've read an entire book. Certainly not the best example. But I view them as entertainment. Not something to emulate.
Aren't some of the Judy Blume books in 1st person?
I know loads of children's books in 1st person but I mostly read YA where it's more common. I also write in 1st person - so I can nominate my own book, Red Tears
I know loads of children's books in 1st person but I mostly read YA where it's more common. I also write in 1st person - so I can nominate my own book, Red Tears
Aren't some of the Judy Blume books in 1st person?
I know loads of children's books in 1st person but I mostly read YA where it's more common. I also write in 1st person - so I can nominate my own book, Red Tears
Yep, most of them. Tales of a Forth Grade Nothing, Superfudge, Otherwise known as Shelia the Great, Are you UP there God, it's me Margaret...and so on and so on and so on...
Half the the Bartimaeous books are written in first person.
Thanks, everyone, for your input in this thread. I'd still welcome other suggestions. Now I must decide if my idea for a children's book is best suited for 1st person or other. I'm thinking it may be better if told in 3rd person because the narration will need to divulge more than a child would be able to communicate on his or her own. Just thinking out loud for now.
It's about a 10 year old girl who gets to spend one last magical day with a pet that passed away the year prior. It's a personal story. Perhaps therapy for my daughter, and may not appeal to a larger audience. It's just a short story, so...
It's about a 10 year old girl who gets to spend one last magical day with a pet that passed away the year prior. It's a personal story. Perhaps therapy for my daughter, and may not appeal to a larger audience. It's just a short story, so...
This is terrible, but all I can think of is "If you replace 'magical' with 'horrifying' Stephen King already did that." Then I giggle to myself. I have to be the sickest person on the planet. Most well-adjusted children won't be thinking that if they read it. But I'm not a child and I am clearly not well-adjusted. So I had to spit out that comment because it wouldn't stay put in my brain. I have a very loose verbal filter.
That said, one of my mother's MCs had lost a pet prior to the story and has some grieving time about it, and I think children can actually emotionally divulge more than a narrator, and more poignantly too. But if it's other information you need divulged, you'll know best when you go to write it if the MC can take care of it 1st person or you have to take the story 3rd person.
Good luck!
Hillary, I may have to write the closing first in order to decide on 1st or 3rd person. YOu may be right. Simplistic thoughts from a child may say more than a narrator can convey. Could have a greater emotional impact. Thanks for your thoughts.
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I write for kids, too, besides the romances. Dalton's Last Stand, (finished) Stagecoach at the Old Gristmill and Marooned on Planet EARTH - The Scoville Tragedies (WsIP) are all in first person.
I tried them both ways; did a chapter or so third person - worked up key scenes both ways. I do like to get into everyone's head! But . . . they seem to want me out of everyone's head! So, I deferred and went first person.
I agree with Hilary. A story like yours told first person could have a more immediate emotional impact. Sometimes with a narrator, it's more tell than show. Loses something special. Not all the time, of course, but sometimes.
Most 10 year olds, I think, are well able to communicate their feelings about these things - if and/or when they want to. Because it's possible they may not want to.
Just another voice added to the din . . .
Anita
I tried them both ways; did a chapter or so third person - worked up key scenes both ways. I do like to get into everyone's head! But . . . they seem to want me out of everyone's head! So, I deferred and went first person.
I agree with Hilary. A story like yours told first person could have a more immediate emotional impact. Sometimes with a narrator, it's more tell than show. Loses something special. Not all the time, of course, but sometimes.
Most 10 year olds, I think, are well able to communicate their feelings about these things - if and/or when they want to. Because it's possible they may not want to.
Just another voice added to the din . . .
Anita