I know there are a lot of parents out there who despise Bratz - who think they sexualize children and fear they will turn their precious little girls into tramps in miniskirts and go-go boots.
Those parents will be happy to hear that Scholastic has decided to cut Bratz chapter books from its book clubs and fairs this year. Also gone are tie-ins, such as a Bratz computer game and stencil kit.
Although a consumer advocacy group, The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, claims their 18-month fight against Bratz books was the reason Scholastic made the move, Scholastic itself credits declining sales of Bratz merchandise.
I'm neither pro-Bratz nor anti-Bratz. I just don't see much difference between Bratz books and books featuring other characters, such as Transformers or Strawberry Shortcake. All these titles are inherently commercial and designed to make kids beg their parents for toys, videos and other crap. But if parents are faced with kids who don't necessarily love reading but are excited about books featuring their favorite characters - hey, whatever works.
