UNDERSTANDING the children’s story
James Clavell wrote the children’s story in 1963. It first appeared in The Reader’s Digest in 1964. The title is not capitalized on the first book cover. Why? We can only guess. My guess is subtlety. The story is about the subtlety of taking advantage of children’s vulnerability; there for, the title must be subtle.
“Subtle” is defined as cagey, crafty, cunning, devious, sly…you get the point. It’s a short book. It took only a few minutes to read. It took Mr. Clavell (a writer of adult novels) only a little while to write it after his daughter, Michaela, came home from school one day…after him having a conversation with her. It left me stunned!
The setting is in America. A world leader has taken over all countries. Let's not let it happen in America for real!
The characters are a classroom full of children; a frightened older teacher; and a bright, young, and beautiful teacher who takes over the older teacher’s class. The frightened teacher is sent to the principal’s office. The new teacher has been carefully trained how to mold children’s minds in a fun, “sneaky” way to change their beliefs. One boy, Johnny, poses some problems for her with his religious training from home. I’ll let you read the story to see how the teacher handles it in her devious way.
I hope I have enticed you to find a copy of this book and take a few minutes to read it. Hopefully, your public library has it. Michaela Clavell Ross plays the part of the young teacher in the movie version (which can be viewed on YouTube). Use it to realize that you need to be aware of what your children are being taught in school, on the internet, in their Sunday School…out of your sight and hearing. Visit their classrooms. Home schooling is always an option. Then, you know what your children are being taught.
King Solomon said, “…let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear (respect) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:5-7 NIV
May God protect our children!