The best part about reading children's books from the 70s is how
authors manage to sneak in messages about girls' lib, divorce, and
alternative lifestyles amid a sea of harvest gold and avocado green.
And if you've never appreciated the lovely comforts of a shag-rug nap, while contemplating your parents' EST circle, then I venture
you're probably not yet looking up the nosehairs at 40, you sly boots,
nor have you likely heard of children's books like "Ira Sleeps Over," about a boy who goes for a slumber party and finally admits to still needing his teddy bear for a good night's sleep.
Children's
books in the 70s weren't just about girl firefighters and boy ballerinas, though. They brought us grand vistas and adventures
far greater than career choices and "Billy has Two Mommies":
Harriet the Spy - She's a girl. She's a spy. I can't fathom a more wonderful adventure for an 8-year old than imagining her explorations on a secret dumbwaiter.
Are You There God? It's Me Margaret? - Judy Blume taught us so much about puberty, sex, and other blushful things in the 70s, but this book is the best of the best.
Free to Be You and Me - "There's a land that I see, where the children are free..." Less book than manifesto/cultural zeitgeist, FtBYaM defined a generation of free kids, playing records while sitting on brown corduroy couches, while Mom hosted her NOW meetings, or macramed.
Julie of the Wolves - Another power-girl story...
Other decades have wonderful children's books as well, but the books we read when young hold a special place in your heart. And it's a joy to share these same books with our own kids.
