ABSTRACT
It seems that much contemporary writing for children is more explicit about the traumas of children than ever before. Freedom from inhibitions about what one can and cannot write can inspire creativity and originality in children. Like Vera B. Williams's story, An Na's recent novel, A Step From Heaven, draws largely on her childhood. It is an intimate family portrait told by Young Ju, a sensitive and observant child. The Golden Compass portrays the various struggles between good and evil. It is the story of eleven-year-old Lyra, an orphan who has grown up among the scholars and kitchen help at Jordan College in Oxford, England. Even the idea of reviewing thoughts supports the value of interrogation and reflection. The Harry Potter books satirize for children the superficiality of this world, its pretenses and human failures, the narcissism of popular culture, the stupidity and cruelty of the press, the rigidity and elitism of our social world.
