The Strong Beliefs of Aerin from McKinleys Hero and the Crown and Elle

The Strong Beliefs of Aerin from McKinleys Hero and the cover and Ellen from Gibbons Ellen Foster    In the 1970s, rock artist David Bowie wrote a hit tune entitled Changes that included these lines And these children that you spit on as they try to transport their worlds/Are immune to your consultations/Theyre quite aw ar of what theyre outlet finished. These lyrics hint at the numerous weighty issues young teenagers must resolve while going through the changes that result lead to a development of adult honorable codes. As any young adult will testify, an undefined good atmosphere can vector sum in difficulty making decisions (to semi on a test or not to cheat on a test?), a problem that can become sluice more pronounced with the addition of pressure from peers, media, family, and religion.   However, some teens have experiences that result in the shaping of a strong will and as a consequence can easily form ethical convictions with nary a doubt. Two teens from this years English Festival book selections fall into the latter category. some(prenominal)(prenominal) Aerin from Robin McKinleys The Hero and the Crown and Ellen from Kaye Gibbons Ellen Foster exhibit strong honorable beliefs formed during their early teen years. Some of the values and beliefs Aerin and Ellen share are independence, self-sufficiency, and a mistrust for authority. Each girlfriends unique experiences help shape these beliefs, and both girls manife... ...o piqued that she develops her own plan to prove she is not just the silly girl everyone thinks she is She will become a dragon-killer. Aerins mistrust of the ability of authority figures to arbiter her capacities correctly will lead her to continually exceed expectations.   Aerin and Ellen have to each one formed strong moral and ethical beliefs at a young age, beliefs that will likely remain with them throughout their lives. They have come through the changes in their turbulent adolescent years wi th flying colors, building a firm moral foundation. To borrow another line from the famed Bowie song, Aerin and Ellen are ready to turn and face the strange future that lies ahead and the changes it will bring.