Red Alert

Everyone knows red cars go faster.

And by the look of the covers on the Banned Books Week's site, it seems red books are racier...

Or maybe they are red rags to a bull?

Or perhaps there is fear they will become reds under the bed?

Whatever the case, we'd just like to take a moment to express our solidarity with all the writers around the world who've had their books banned, or burned, or restricted or censored.

And all the people - especially the kids - who've had books removed from their libraries and schools.

And all the librarians and teachers who work so hard to stand up for books and readers in their communities.

* Last week was Banned Books Week in the USA. You can find out more here or here or, you know, by using your internets searching skills.

Trixie Belden v Nancy Drew (and a tangent)

Who doesn't love a girl sleuth or two?

Lili Wilkinson reckons that Trixie would belt Nancy in a fight.
At least one Onion disagrees.

Here are the stats:

• 13-year-old freckled tomboy who lives on a farm, has many chores and is teased by brothers or;
• 18-year old wealthy, attractive 'strawberry blonde' sophisticate who effortlessly knows how to do stuff (and has a boyfriend called Ned Nickerson!)?

It's apples and oranges, really. I find it hard to accept that it's an either/or option. I loved them both. Though Nancy probably edged out Trixie in the end, because reading is often about losing yourself in the fantasy of another world, another life, and, when it came down to it, I was a 13-year-old freckled tomboy who lived on a farm, had many chores and was teased by my brother... all that was missing was the opportunity for sleuthing. Sigh. Nancy's life was far more removed and glamorous - and therefore held lasting allure.

Browsing the internet for Nancy/Trixie* info we got totally distracted had an epiphany: redheads are popular:

Trixie Belden

Nancy Drew

Anne Shirley

Pippi Longstocking

The Weasleys

Tintin

Ginger Megs

Cameron Ling**

Who do you think would win the battle of the redheaded super sleuths?

*Gee whilikers that would be some interesting fanfic.

** OK - not fictional, but beloved by many.