John Neufeld

Start Free Trial

New Titles for Children and Young People: 'Freddy's Book'

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

In the following essay, Zena Sutherland critiques John Neufeld's Freddy's Book for its forced plot contrivance and the portrayal of female characters as inept, while acknowledging its potential value as a sex education resource for preteen boys.

Although there are some very funny moments in [Freddy's Book], it isn't quite convincing in constructing a situation in which so many people do a bad job of giving information; that enables the author to make a long story out of Freddy's quest, but the contrivance weakens the story, and it's noticeable that all the female characters are remarkable for their ineptitude. Although purposive, this sex education book may be of comfort to youngsters (Freddy seems to be about 11 or 12) who are embarrassed because they don't know what it's all about—but how many boys of this age don't?

Zena Sutherland, "New Titles for Children and Young People: 'Freddy's Book'," in Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books (© 1974 by the University of Chicago; all rights reserved), Vol. 27, No. 7, March, 1974, p. 116.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Adults and Adolescents: Ambivalence and Ambiguity

Next

Michael McCue and Evie Wilson

Loading...