Did I mention how creative and smart Ashwina is? She amazes me every single day. We were at the library and she found a book on origami. Brought it home and found scraps of paper lying around and made some of the easy ones. A week later, she had brought from her school library a origami calendar, you use the previous day’s page to make the animal(side note, her school library has this scheme whereby, the kids can go to the library during recess and help the librarian put away books, for each fiction book,you get 1 pt and each nonfiction book gets 2 point. The calendar was worth 20 pts)She then went on this kick, when she would come hom from school, eat her lunch, do her homework RIGHT AWAY and then go up to her room and feverishly make all this origami animals and book marks and such. I would ask her to watch some TV or go to the park and she would refuse!Imagine refusing TV for origami. Anyways, she made bookmarks, a huge star with really confusing directions which took her about 3 hours to decipher and smaller animals which now takes her 5 mins tops.She made a bookmark for her classmates for Valentine’s Day.
Her other passion is reading. Just for the heck of it, she decided to re-read the entire Harry Potter series. She asked me to re-read with her and I decided to start from the 5th book. We had a big discussion about whether Harry did the right thing in leaving Ginny alone when he was out fighting. Her exact question was if, “If he truly loved her then he would have understood that she cannot love someone else” After I picked my jaw off the floor, I told yes but he thought he was doing the right thing. She loves reading series. We have read(since Jan this year)
The Tail of Emily Windsnap–which was about a 7th grader who discovers she becomes a mermaid when she touches water. This was the” lightest” book she has read in a long while. She didnt finish the series because she said it was too childish. I liked it alot though. Imagine me liking it and she thinkis its too childish.
Tamora Pierce’s Alanna series–its a book about a girl with a twin brother. She wants to be a knight so she pretends to be a boy and undergoes a gruelling 4 year training to become one.
The Shadow Children- This one was dark too. Its about a world where third born children are illegal. The thirdborn kids are then hidden away from the public eye. She didnt like it much
The Giver- Another dark book about a perfect utopia world. I didnt read it. Her thoughts after reading it was that, she thought the killing of the baby was too sad and she cried.
Next on her list is Milkweed. Her reading group teacher suggested it. ” The plot deals with the realities of being Jewish in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, as seen through the eyes of an innocent child forced to steal food and change his name to survive on the streets. There are also mentions of human torture, explosions, death and, of course, the Holocaust“(quote from http://www.commonsensemedia.org) She is currently reading FableHaven, a fantasy world about fairies and trolls and such.
We just finished doing a reading thing for the library. You read a certain number of hours and you fill out a book report, by the end of the 3 weeks. You hand in your list to the front desk, and you get a prize. Guess which book she picks out. “The House of the Scorpion” The House of the Scorpion (2002) is a science fiction novel by Nancy Farmerabout a young clone who is being raised to provide spare organs for the powerful drug lord known as “El Patrón”. The story is set in the near future.–from Wiki.
Did I mention she is going to be 10 in May? I dont know to which length should I control her reading choices. She told me she wanted to read Twilight and I told her no. Not till she is 14 at least. NK’s solution is to get her to borrow non–fiction books such as the one he is reading with her about Rulers of Egypt. What would you do as a parent? Would you let your almost 10 yr old read anything she wants? Or would you enforce strict rules? My only rule so far has been that it cannot be sexual. I am not ready for that. but what about Holocaust, and death and murder and lying. There was dying in the Alanna series as well as HP. Sigh all these questions are not answered in parenting books are there. I am so glad, all Avasha is reading is Junie B Jones and Amelia Bedelia. By the time she wants to read her sister’s books, I would know what to do.
Close up of the Animals
The confusing star
Hi, I have been reading your blog for sometime now but never left a comment. It is wonderful that your children love to read – especially Ashwina. I am not a parent so I cannot comment on what kinds of books she should read but I started reading at a very early age and have been a voracious reader since. It is a wonderful feeling to curl up with a good book and forget about the world around you, if only for a little while!
Amrita
Me: I know that feeling. Although it’s harder to do it now with everyone wanting my attention all the time.Off to check your blog
That star is amazing! Your kids seem very smart and you are one nice mum I should say!
Me: Isnt it. I love the colors she chose.
I was a very young advanced reader like her, and at her age I was reading books that many people would find wildly inappropriate. It didn’t scar me
My advice would be not to limit her reading too strictly. A voracious reader like her, with her creative skills, will find a way to get to the books she wants, without you knowing. I think, as a parent, you’d rather you know what she’s reading so she can come to you and talk about it. If she has to find a way around you to read it, she won’t feel able to broach those subjects with you or ask you questions about what she’s read, and I think, in the long run, that will be much more detrimental to her (and your relationship with her) than exposing her to the subjects. You’ll be able to help her develop an open mind and an understanding of what she’s reading, and guide her.
Me: See thats what I thought, if I make it forbidden,then all the more she would want them. She likes it when I read the book after she is done and we compare notes. Thats what we have been doing for the past 6 months and its been working well. She asks me really well thought questions which makes me question what I just read. I never thought this would come so soon in my parenting life..I thought I had until she turned 13-14
Oh my oh my oh my! This is one talented child! Wow! I am just humbled looking at all her creations. I have tried to work with origami from a gift that WInkie got, and given up in just 2 steps because it seemed so complicated. God, I wish I could hug this little girl of yours!! Please tell her she has a lifelong fan out here!
Me:Thanks Tharini. I had no patience as well, following the complicated instructions.
I feel so inequipped to comment on what should be the reading limits…but yes, sexual would be off at this stage. I would say reading about death and murder and lying would still be ok…I mean, there’s a limit to which you can restrict her on those things and I think she would be able to discriminate for herself what is good and bad, just by being exposed to it in the world of books. But you know your daughter best and will be able to decide based on that!
Have added you to my reader….long due, btw and hope to stay in close touch with your 3 lovely people!
Me: You know one’s missing in the header picture.
I have 4 kids.
Ooooh…I totally relate! As a kid I was a voracious reader (still am) and my parents were at a loss to figure out what to do with me.
I devoured books in the same way kids eat junk food lol, and didn’t really discriminate to what books I read. My choices were still fairly childish at about age 10 – things like the old classics, BabySitters Club, Sweet Valley Twins etc (didn’t have the choices we have now! No Harry Potter!) – and I know the only thing I wasn’t allowed to read was Sweet Valley High until I was older (due to the more ‘adult’ themes of high school that I honestly didn’t understand or cared about lol – ps read them anyways
)
Me: I read the same things, I loved reading the Mallory twins and the boarding school stories by Enid Blyton as well. I would have to hunt for those for her.
I say probably restrict stuff that is too graphic – sexual, violence etc the same way you would TV/movies. But don’t curb her enthusiasm and the best way is to always know what she is reading as well.
Me:Yup thats what I do. I am more worried with what will she want to read in 2-3 years time if she is reading such heavy topics now.
Those are pretty creations she’s done, more so because she’s motivated herself to do it…it would make good gifts for close family…
I have a 11 yrold boy, and he is a voracious reader…dark fantasy seems to be teh flavor of the months but i think they handle it well, besides its better they read in front of you than finding ways to sneak and read…
i do try to skim thru teh books he reads and wonder sometimes why the ghost stories fascinates him so much…
you know your girl best, and i guess you could take it a step at a time..sometimes they read but are not able to process the ideas very lucidly, which is okay
btw, perhaps she may like Skullduggery pleasant and the Septimus Heap series…
Me: Ohh I know about Septimus Heap. We read all 4 books last year. The 5th book is being released sometime this year. She also did I will let her know about Skullduggery. Ohh maybe your son will to read Fablehaven, its about magic as well.
I just looked at your blog. My girls love doing puzzles. I am not a fan so thats their special thing with their dad. They were working on a 1000 piece but gave up, it was all blue, blud dolphins, the blue sky, the blue water. Too confusing
Another series she liked was Inkheart. I wonder how different it is to parent a 10 girl versus a boy. Or is it going to be pretty similar
How wonderful that she’s such a voracious reader! I was and am one, though my tastes are very different, and my mother’s only restriction was sexual content…some kids seem to like dark writing, and she’s obviously one of them…my older one reads non-fiction in a similar manner, but dislikes dark stories, and really hated HP, so I’ve let him choose. His current passion is WWII – unfortunately, the non-fiction in this area is pretty grim anyway – I figure if I see signs of it disturbing him, I’ll step in.
A disturbing trend I’ve seen with some young adult fiction (and I bring it up because some of the books you mention seem to fall into that category) is that the sexual content is presented so slyly – to me, early sexualization is undesirable, so I would read the books just to make sure.
M
Me: I do read, mostly after she is done though so what good is that huh. So far, there hasnt been much sexualization. I was talking to a mom and one of the things she said, if all you are worried about at her age is what kind of books she is reading then you have nothing to worry about. Thats going to be my mantra as well.
First of all, I LOVE her! I wish we were closer so I could hang out with her (though I am 35 years old.
). I am an origami freak too. Though I always make my creations with random paper – not nice coloured ones. She is very good at it.
Reading choices – if choxbox comes here, she will comment on it I hope. she has some opinions that we have discussed.
As for me, I feel, we should not bother to restrict them. You can suggest that ‘Perhaps its not age appropriate’ & leave it at that. Even sexual content. I think it all becomes a big deal if we make it so.
Me: When we next come to India, we’ll visit you and you and she can do all the origami your heart desires. I wonder whether she would be able to make the animals without the directions. Maybe the simpler ones. I am going to bug chox to come read my post.
I cant see the pics
Too sexual, violent stuff is a little bit of a no no. Although if she did come across that kind of stuff, she has the freedom to discuss it with you…then its ok. I guess.
Me: I wonder why you cant see them. Odd.
OMG! you have a genius living with you woman! the only one origami book we ever got, i offcilayy gave up within 35secs and two folds! considering i also got my craftwork done from classmates, i shouldnt have bothered! :p
her work is awesome!!!
Me: I found the instructions too complicated as well. I am not a fan of origami.
and about reading! i really dunno. if you KNOW what she is reading and think she is coping fine wit it, i think it cool. we have a 10yr old niece who also devoured HP and then all Agatha Chrities and scoffed at Famous 5 so totally! :p
whats with these 10yr olds?! and to think i still like reading St. Clares and Malory Towers! :p but after hogwarts these just arent as cool maybe!
cheers!
Me: I know they are in a rush to grow up.
ps: can you put those tings on a table or something and take pictures? will be much clearer! pls! its just so pretty!
Me: I will send you some later.
Loved the star!!!Isn’t it very difficult? When it comes to origamy, I can take pride in making only the boat that we floated in rain water puddles (you can call it a part of origamy na? please say you can! or else I would have to say that I don’t know origamy at all!!!)
me: rofl
I started reading at a very early age. I guess it was to cope up with the loneliness that creeps up when your parents are away at work. I was in sixth or seventh class, when I started reading magazines like ‘Sarita’, ‘Dharmayug’, along with the children specific magazines like ‘Suman Saurabh’, comics , and sports magazines. And I had finished R.k.Narayanan, Famous five, three investigators, little women and other such books by the time I turned 15. So, though I would prefer to keep likes of ‘Sarita’ away from Diya for a little longer than that, I would make sure that she reads according to her own choices. Yes, there would be supervision, but I am not sure if that would be effective or even suggested..
Its really great that your baby(they always remain babies for us, don’t they?) is taking such keen interest in reading….. It is commendable and I hope she keeps up with this habit of hers forever!
Me: I still love to read and I know she has the same love. Yes they are still babies.
I read ‘origami’ and rolled my eyes… but the pictures are brilliant! Very cool.
I’m all for early exposure to sex. You and me, baby, ain’t nothing but mammals…
Me: rofl.. I dont think 10 is the right age,
Forgot to mention it yesterday – she might enjoy Diana Wynne Jones’s books…Jones’ humor is rather dark, and several of her series deal with magical elements. I prefer Jones’ time travel/SF books myself
M
Me: Thanks M, We’ll look for the books at the library.
Wow, some of that sounds really dark. That’s great she is such a great reader though!
Me: Yeah I just hope the rest of the gang turns out like her.
Hey that is awesome stuff she’s made. Man what a kid!
(Btw where are the trolls today?)
Me: They only come out to comment on my fat face.
Sexual content – thats a no-brainer. Its out of course.
As for WW2, there’s one called ‘Hitler’s Canary’. She read it coupla years back – also teacher’s suggestion. I thought it was kind of sad/scary (Holocaust etc) but much to my surprise she was okay with it.
She was gifted ‘Charlotte’s Web’ on her 6th birthday and she read it off before the day ended. I should’ve checked it first and beat myself up as the whole idea of death made her pretty upset. Her teacher though thought it was fine, its a gentle way of introducing the concept and they have to deal with it, was her line.
Harry Potter – a whole lot of kids in her class, 7 and 8 year olds, read the entire series when the last book came out. I didn’t think it was age-appropriate then so I didn’t encourage her much. If I can help it I’ll keep her from it for a couple of years more. A shade too dark I think for right now.
Laura Ingalls Wilder – has Ashwina read them?
I havent heard of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I dont think she has read any by her yet.
Me: She wanted to read it at age 7 as well and I didnt let her. She waited till she was 8 and then read them all. The last book, she hid under the dining table with her blanky and read it there.
But hey, thanks for asking for my opinion. You are way ahead in these matters and I should ask you for gyaan actually! As other folks have said I guess a lot depends on the kid and how much she is able to handle. I used to review my daughter’s books before she read them (after the Charlotte’s Web incident), now I do a cursory check and in fact of late have not been able to do that too. I guess slowly they also start to figure out what they should pick up, right?!
(Long comment!)
Me: Yeah, she doesnt really ask me whether its okay to read the books she gets from her shcool library. She only asked because Twilight wasnt available at her school.
and forgot to add – michael morpurgo! he’s a brit author, not sure how easily available his works would be in the US, but do check him out. a lot of his books are centred around the ww2, and they’re not too dark at all. even the non-ww2 stuff is great.
That’s a dilemma indeed. What kind of books should kids be allowed to read and what limits should be applied…IMHO, since Ashwina is so ahead and interested in reading (touchwood!), maybe she could be left with a free rein…Also, ‘cos reading sufficiently warns the kids as to the risks of certain situations:)
Thanks for sharing:)
Me: I just hope that the other 3 love reading as much she does. Imagine the child 3 couldnt be bothered to even turn a page. *Shudders*
That is a lovely star.. and what a lovely choice of books including the origami one!!
one more thing – i think is the darkest possible read for a kid is the newspaper – terror, murder, crime, all in graphic detail and complete with pictures. always am debating with myself about whether i should dive and hide it every time i see it in her vicinity, or just let it be. its the reality after all, unlike potter and his friends.
Me: Hmm thats why we dont have the newspaper at home.
Hey, just dropped by to let u know that u’ve been linked for the “Holding hands” series:) Love your blog!
Me: Will check it out in a bit.
Hello there…decided to show up and comment here than through MinM.
You have a great bunch of kids.Right now, i am picking up my jaw from the floor- the origami creations look awesome.
I never got around finishing ANY!
And on books…i guess you should not restrict her on reading. I read everything that came my way. There is nothing like a book to open a your mind…and she certainly seems mature enough to understand the differentiation between the real world and world of imagination created by books.
As we grow up, this gap decreases, and books become just another medium. THIS, is the her time to enjoy reading…so let her just be. She’ll be happy for her lifetime. I was:-)
Me: Thanks. I was really impressed with the star. I know I should be grateful she loves reading and not worry so much.
Hi, and wow!Great looking kids, I like that header photo!
Ashwina is amazing! (My Imp has almost the same name, by the way.) I love origami too, but often it doesn’t love me back. And I’m very impressed with her reading.
I say let her read what she wants.. I’ve spent many pleasant hours as a kid reading forbidden stuff like James Hadley Chase in secret, largely because they were forbidden .. basically, she has access to a library and friends, so restrictions would be meaningless anyway. And from what I’ve read of her, she already has taste and a good head.
Philip Pullman has a series on a young female detective in Victorian England, called Sally Lockhart that I’d recommend. And Laura Ingalls Wilder is great too. Judy Blume – she’s an author who’s written some great stuff about kids and the issues they face, including death, peer pressure, even love.
BTW, there’s probably a lot of that young romance crap floating around anyway, which is targeted at preteens, and she’ll probably have a phase of reading them, and then get back to better books on her own.
Sorry for hogging this comment box.
Me: She loves Judy Blume, In fact she bought one of her books at her school’s book fair. I will look into the other authors when we go to the library next time. I will let you know what she thinks of them. You should read Angie’s comment about “romance crap”. To find out why she wrote that, you should check out her blog.
how about george orwell’s animal farm, anne of green gables, louisa m. alcott’s little women, the chalet school series, sherlock holmes, robin hood’s stories, greek mythological stories, and i think pg wodehouse even… may be the school series for her at first…
all pretty much safe and enchanting reading for a little girl growing up
Me: Ohh I forgot about Little Women. I think she has read Anne of Green Gables. She didnt like Sherlock Holmes, Havent heard of Chalet school series, Will look into that.
Some great kids you have! Kudos!
Me: Thanks
MiM does it again.. I loved Allcott and Anne of green Gables!. Agatha Christie would be great too – smart stories and the violence is always very genteel.
Now I’ll shut up and go away…I think.
Me: You dont have to shut up. I value your opinion especially since you are a wordjunkie
Don’t worry, Sunita. I’ve been reading that “romance crap” since I was in fourth grade and I still like to think of myself as a bright, intelligent, emotionally stable and productive member of society.
Me:
A mother can only worry, Angie 
I will wait till Brianna is 6 and wants to read them.
I shoud warn you, the Chalet school is mostly out of print and expensive, when you do find one! Published in the UK, and I found a few coopies in Canada – Try Abebooks.com for some secondhand sources.
choxbox, thanks for the Morpurgo rec – my son is now hooked on them!
If you like WW stories, I’d recommend Geoffrey Trease as well – agaun, sadly, mostly out of print..but so good!
M
I love kids like that….studious, inquisitive, involved, initiating.
She and I would have been great friends back in the day!
Been reading for a while but never commented but this post made me
Because it reminded me of me! I read a whole lot as a child and my mother never really prevented me from reading anything because she thought it was inappropriate. She wouldn’t buy me stuff she thought was junk though, such as Nancy Drew. But her philosophy otherwise was that everything else was ok, so really it was a question of the quality of the books which might be a good standard to use? I’d recommend the whole Anne of Green Gables series and the author wrote a lot of others too, so check out Lucy Maud Montgomery. Alcott is good too, also Laura Ingalls Wilder and Edith Nesbitt. I think the good thing about the classics is they tend to have a Victorian morality so you are safe that way 
I would be careful with the romance stuff too though, I’m grateful now that I was never allowed Mills and Boon. I also loved the so called “boys” books such as R.L.Stevenson and Mark Twain. Wow I feel old now so I’ll stop!
OK, rub it in.
She sounds like me. My son doesn’t.