Spotlight - Orson Scott Card (Read with Discretion Author)

Orson Scott Card is an active, outspoken member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He's almost combative in his stance against gay marriage and often shares his testimony of the restored gospel with the world in general. However, the content of his books doesn't always portray the wholesome, family-friendly values that the LDS church espouses. In fact many of them contain graphic violence, sexuality (including rape, pedophilia, and homosexuality), as well as profanity.

Now, this blog isn't about trying to figure out why an author writes a certain way. Its purpose is to help parents make informed choices. With that in mind, I'll present a brief overview of the books I've read by Card, to give you an idea of which books are okay for your teens and which you might want to leave on the shelf. At least until the Story Surgeon App is ready. 

(Side note: My Project has been approved by Kickstarter and we'll launch the campaign on Thursday, Jan 16th. More on that later.)

Now for the list. I'll start with the tamer ones.

The only works I can think of that might be G rated are his books on writing. (Which are actually very good resources for those wanting to learn the craft.) Although there may be an occasional minor expletive. (Not that your preschoolers will be reading this one, anyway.)

Writing Resources - SURGEON GENERAL RATING - G

The PG category contains most of Card's religious work. The WOMEN OF GENESIS series does contain some tastefully done intimate scenes and they might be better classified in the PG-13 category, but because my mom read them and didn't object, I'm going to go with the lower rating.

Women of Genesis Series

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG

Pathfinder was supposed to be Card's first crack at the YA genre. He does tone down the mature content (although he still manages to fit in his mandatory crotch reference), but besides that, it's indistinguishable from his adult works. (Unless you count characters acting more like children.) I actually really enjoyed the first in the series. The second was too full of pointless bickering and meandering plot for me to recommend.

Pathfinder Series

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG

I was surprised to find that this spin off (or prequel) to the Ender books was actually cleaner than the original books. I loved Earth Unaware, but gave up on Earth Afire (which is nothing like the first.) In these, you only have to worry about some minor swearing and some mild violence.

The First Formic War Series

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG

This fantasy series that was supposed to be loosely based on the life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet, starts out tame enough, but by the end books, the violence and sexuality get pretty graphic. A promising story, that grows increasingly convoluted until even Card couldn't bring it all together for the conclusion. A sad way to finish a series. (Even without the rape references.)

Alvin Maker Series

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG to PG-13

Ender's Game was the first I read of Card's novels and I loved it. Just watch out for violence and sexual references. For specific content see the SSG review. The Shadow Spinoffs are hit and miss. Most are about the same level of content as the main series.

Ender's Game and Shadow Spinoff Series

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG-13

Saints was a surprise for me. Although fiction, it portrays real events and people in a way that make the early leaders of the Mormon church seem like imperfect humans dedicated to a greater cause. I'd recommend it for older readers, however, since there is violence and the intimate scenes involving early church leaders, although tastefully done, may be jarring.

Saints

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG-13

Now we come to the mature section. The following books are (R) rated. Treasure box had extreme violence. Songmaster and Hamlet have themes (and scenes) of homosexuality. Enchantment has disturbing violence and sexuality.

The Remainder of Card's Novels (that I've read)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - (R)

So, in conclusion, Card is a powerful storyteller, (when he manages to form his plot into a cohesive whole) but doesn't have much of a filter. If anyone would like to add to, or correct anything in this post, please comment, or email me. In the mean time, proceed with caution. Especially where your kids are involved.

Spotlight - Brandon Mull (Certified Safe Author)

Several years ago I picked up the first Fablehaven book at random from the library. The first half was okay, but near the end I found myself getting genuinely freaked out. Not that it was violent or disturbing, Brandon just did a great job making the story seem real. I decided to give the second book in the series a try and I'm glad I did. (It was much better than the first.) Thus began my like-alot-affair with Mr. Mull. I've read most of his books and there's nary a swear word to be found. Nor is there anything sexual. The only thing parents might need to watch out for is mild fantasy violence and kids disobeying their elders. The covers below each represent entire series, so if you find you like Brandon's style you'll have enough material to last you through adolescence. (Or your midlife crisis.)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - G

In general, the Fablehaven books get better as they go. (Although #2 will always be my favorite.) The Candy Shop Wars I enjoyed least, and I still haven't read the sequel. The first and second books in the Beyonders series were phenomenal (if you can overlook that stupid hippo) although by the third book, Brandon's horrible prose and meandering plotting was starting to get to me. The book still sits half finished in my locker at work.

Language - None

Sexuality - None

Violence - Mild

Adult Themes - A Few

I reiterate, the writing in these books is sub-par. Don't expect to be intellectually stimulated. Brandon does a whole lot of telling instead of showing and he loves him some adverbs. But if you're not a lit-snob like me, you shouldn't have any trouble losing yourself in the incredibly creative stories.

Brandon Mull's books get a blanket (G) rating for content.  

Five stars.