Ok, so I am not some sappy midwest chick who always believes in happy endings. I am a native NewYorker-- I know we are constantly surrounded by human suffering and tragedy. Teaching YAs the history of mankind and the suffering we have risen above, i.e. the Holocaust, the Civil Rights Movement, and Woman's Lib helps them understand the horrors humans are capable of, but also shows the great power the masses can have in creating equality.
Why I am ranting about this? Because I just can't believe kids want to read books that give them no hope. Entertainment should not equal despair. Isn't their enough suffering in the world?
I was a pretty tough kid, and weathered a lot of storms, But I secretly loved the Brady Bunch and the Partridge Family. The media I was surrounded with gave me hope whether it was through my love of Patti Smith, or Joan Jett they empowered me to believe in myself.
I see your point here, and yes, I find it hard to believe too. But they're out there, believe it or not.
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