At around nine or 10 years of age, young people start to decide for themselves what's moral or not, and that's why I like writing for that age group so much.
Morris Gleitzman’s quote highlights the developmental stage when young people begin to form their own sense of morality and make independent decisions about what is right or wrong. He points out that around the ages of nine or ten, children start to critically assess their world and understand ethical concepts, moving beyond simply following rules to developing their own ideas of fairness and justice. This marks an important shift in their cognitive and emotional growth, where they begin to question the values they are taught.
Gleitzman expresses a deep appreciation for writing for this particular age group, as it represents a time of great intellectual and emotional growth. At this age, children are grappling with complex concepts like morality, which makes their experiences and stories particularly engaging. For an author like Gleitzman, writing for this age group presents an opportunity to explore the dynamic process of moral development, capturing how children navigate and shape their understanding of the world around them.
The quote also reflects Gleitzman’s belief that this period of moral exploration is crucial for shaping a young person’s character and perspective. He values the curiosity and the open-mindedness that come with this stage of development, where children are eager to understand different points of view and make their own ethical judgments. This is why he finds writing for this age group so rewarding—it allows him to delve into the complexities of growing up and discovering one’s place in the world.
Ultimately, Gleitzman’s statement underscores the significance of the age when children begin to make their own moral decisions, marking a pivotal moment in their intellectual and emotional maturation. Writing for this group enables him to engage with young readers during a critical period of their lives, exploring themes of growth, identity, and personal values.
HC11A1_3_Le Hoang Chanh
As someone who works with children, I find this insight both inspiring and challenging. If kids begin shaping their own moral judgments around that age, should educators and caregivers become more intentional in how they introduce ethical dilemmas in learning materials? How can we better support that internal development while still giving them space to form their own views?
PKPhat Khuong
This quote really resonates. I remember being that age and starting to question the fairness of rules and the 'why' behind them. It makes me think: what kinds of stories have the most impact on young minds at that stage—fantasy, realism, or something in between? What role does genre play in helping shape moral reasoning in preteens?
CBNguyen Chi Bao
That’s a beautiful sentiment, but does it romanticize children’s moral development a bit? Sure, kids are starting to think independently, but are they really ready to process the ethical complexity of adult decisions? I’m curious—should stories aimed at this age group focus more on helping them explore consequences or affirm their instincts?
NNNa Nguen
This quote makes me reflect on how authors can play a huge role in shaping young minds. Should writers for children treat their stories more like moral compasses than just entertainment? Isn’t there a risk of unconsciously imprinting personal biases on impressionable readers? Or is that just part of the territory when writing for young people who are figuring things out?
LGLong ga
I find this quote deeply moving, especially because it acknowledges the emotional and intellectual depth of children that age. But it makes me wonder—do all children really begin to form their own moral compass at that age, or is it dependent on their environment, education, or even trauma? Is nine a universal threshold or just an average starting point in certain cultures or contexts?