Sticks and Stones: The Troublesome Success of Children's Literature from Slovenly Peter to Harry Potter

Zipes has good points to make. Some children's work IS watered down and/or derivative. The concept that we should really THINK about what our "Children's Literature" is saying to us is though provoking, as are his specific arguments.The Harry Potter chapter was well done. Zipes dares to make the points that Rowling's work is sexist and elitist, that the characters are cliches, and that more people _say_ they have read them than actually have.What I felt the book lacked was a concrete plan to improve the situation--then again I'm not sure that was what he was after.A great read for students of literature in general!