The Allure of the Book

The allure of the book has always been negative and [blank] , for the texts and pictures between the covers have helped many young readers to [blank] and grasp the world around them in a pleasurable and meaningful way. But the allure has also enabled authors and publishers to [blank] upon young readers' dispositions and desires and to [blank] them a menu that turns out to be junk food. The texts and pictures titillate children or reinforce certain formulaic patterns of thinking that reduce the possibility for the child to develop his or her [blank] creative and critical talents.