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.

The Warrior Heir - (PG-13)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG-13

This is an older fantasy that my brother recommended. The profanity is mild, but what you have to watch out for is the violence. Several people die in brutal/bloody ways. Although you don't generally see it happen, he describes the blood and the mangled bodies ("nearly ripped in half" sort of thing.)

Overall, I found it interesting but couldn't relate to the I-don't-know-what-I-want-but-I-like-to-whine main character. The stats presented here are for the first half of the book. (I made it to 7 of 11 CDs before I gave up.) But unless there was a surprise sex scene at the end, this should give you an idea if you want your teens reading it.

Language - Mild

Sexuality - Mild

Violence - Moderate

Adult Themes - Some

The Warrior Heir gets a (PG-13) rating for content.  

Three stars. 

(The STAR RATINGS on this blog represent MATURE CONTENT only. The less objectionable content, the higher the rating.)

Guest Post - Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food - (PG)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG

For our first guest post, I'm pleased to welcome Surgeon J. Brown. Her review of BERENSTAIN BEARS AND TOO MUCH JUNK FOOD reminds us that there are other things we need to watch out for in kid's books besides sex, violence, and language. Although Dr. Brown appreciates books that teach healthy eating habits, she points out how well-meaning adults (or authors) can inadvertently cause food issues, which can lead to complexes, low self-esteem, and eating disorders. Thank you, Dr. Brown, for sending in your review! We still need many more guest bloggers. There are a lot of books out there and only one (now two) of us. Email your reviews to storysurgeongeneral (at) gmail (dot) com!

Language - None

Sexuality - None

Violence - None

Adult Themes - One Big One

Surgeon J. Brown's Review:

Well, let me just start out by saying that I wish I could give this book 0 stars, and then burn it. I do not even know where to begin... I am just so very, VERY disappointed. 

The Berenstain Bears books have been more or less popular for a few decades. This fact is part of what troubles me so much. I've read some of the other Berenstain books recently to my children, and they've been ok, but when I found this little gem (sarcasm), I was stunned.

When I was in nutrition school, and even more so since then, I have come to realize how many food issues people have, and how many of those issues are surrounded by feelings of guilt. That guilt almost inevitably leads to compulsion, and from there the cycle continues.

I understand that Stan Berenstain was attempting to help children to make better food choices, but he did it in all the wrong ways. 

Example #1
This is what inspires Mama to put the kids on a diet.

So, basically Mama bear wants her kids to stop eating junk food because they're getting "chubbier", not because she cares about their health. 


Example #2

 Papa's snack habits had caught up with him so he splits his pants?

Again, with the body shaming! Am I advocating unhealthy eating? Of course not. The problem I have here is with the idea that skinny = healthy. Health comes in all different sizes and shapes. This book should have focused more on how if we treat our bodies with care, they will be able to do amazing things. We will be able to run faster, live longer, and feel great! Not just look good in our clothes, or fail to "split the seat of our overalls wide open". 

If you'd like to learn more about the damage of body shaming, you should check out Beauty Redefined.

Too Much Junk Food gets a (PG) rating for content.  

Four stars. 

(The Star Ratings on this site are based solely on the amount of mature material. The less objectionable the content is, the higher the rating.)

All Our Yesterdays - (PG-13)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG-13

ALL OUR YESTERDAYS is a YA time-travel sci-fi that reads more like a YA mystery with a heavy romance angle. I started it in September, (before the blog) so I although went back and skimmed, I may have missed some of the content.

Language - Heavy

Sexuality - Moderate

Violence - Heavy

Adult Themes - Many

All Our Yesterdays is about a pair of kids that go four years into the past to murder someone destined to be a villain. It's an interesting moral dilemma and brings up thought-provoking issues. Unfortunately, the plot isn't quite as thought-provoking.

All Our Yesterdays gets a (PG-13) rating for content.  

Three stars. 

(The Star Ratings on this site are based solely on the amount of mature material. The less objectionable the content is, the higher the rating.)

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. 

More Resources For Parents - And a Call for Reviewers!

There are many great tools out there for parents wanting to protect there kids. Here are a few of my favorite.

As you can see from these awards, the K-9 internet filter does a great job filtering internet and gives parents total control without being overly complicated. The best part is that it's completely FREE! It can also be downloaded as an app (a web browser) on phones and tablets, which is how many teens access mature sites. Keep in mind that you have to put additional restrictions on the mobile devices along with K-9. (For example, with an iPhone, you have to go into Settings > Restrictions > Enable Restrictions (put in password) Then disable Safari and any other browsers.)

The Clearplay DVD filtering system requires purchase of their DVD player and a monthly subscription, but my family has found it completely worth the price. Month to month, it's $7, but the price gets less expensive as you buy time in bulk. The fact that I'm so cheap and still want to support this company shows how awesome it is. I mean, it turns rated R movies into PG ones! (Admittedly, there are a few skips and mutes, but the filters can be adjusted for your age/maturity level.)

If Clearplay is too much trouble or money, try the Kids In Mind website. My blogger friend, Krista VanDolzer told me about it and it seems even better than the screen-it website I mentioned in my first post. Basically, this site will tell you (for free) exactly what content is a specific movie. Keep in mind, however, they shoot ads at you (it's really annoying) in order to get you to pay for the ad-free version. It you're like me, however, no amount of ad-free-ness can make up for the free-ness.

Know about any other great resources? Please let us know in the comments section! (And for heaven sake, tell your friends about The Story Surgeon and SEND IN THOSE REVIEWS to storysurgeongeneral (at) gmail (dot) com. It doesn't have to be long or meticulous. Heck, it doesn't even have to be YA. We just need book titles and an idea of what's in it that parents might object to!) 

I've been doing advertising at work and around my neighborhood. I submit the pictures (below) as proof.

Now share this blog with anyone who has literate kids (or likes to read YA themselves!)  Or else.....(see last picture.)

ENDER'S GAME (PG-13)

SURGEON GENERAL RATING - PG-13

With the movie opening Nov 1st, Ender's Game is the #1 selling book on Amazon. Although Orson Scott Card's breakthrough novel is relatively tame compared to other adult sci-fi, there are a few things parents should be aware of.

Language - Mild

Sexuality - Moderate

Violence - Moderate

Adult Themes - A Few

The first time I read this was in college. Card is a master storyteller if he can manage to keep his plot in a straight line. It's easy to fall in love with Ender and easy to see why this novel rocketed Card to fame and fortune. What's less easy to see is why an author so opposed to gay marriage fills his books with references to the male genitalia. This book is appropriate for most older teens. As for the rest in the series, they are less kid-friendly. Not because they have more adult content (although some do) but because the stories get more political, philosophical, and family-drama-esque.

Ender's Game gets a (PG-13) rating for content.  

Three stars.