Real Lit for Children

Yesterday I read "Dear Mr Henshaw", a Beverly Cleary classic. It is just so well written- I wish more children's book were literature like this. There is so much junk put out to promote movies and sell more Disney and Nickelodeon things, I really think kids are being gypped. People often say well, at least they are reading something, but I am not really sure I agree, when I see them week after week check out Pokemon books and Disney Princess stories. But the flip side for me is that I am not sure when to let my 7 year old read stuff like this- issues with a child and his dad during a divorce. He doesn't need to worry about that stuff, but he is very sensitive, so he probably will anyway... Good literature often deals with real issues, and so I have to pre-read many of his books. (Lucky me!!) It has really lead to an exciting renewal of my interest in children's books and an awe almost of the great stuff that is out there.