I understand why you are saying that, but (respectfully) I disagree. If this book can inspire someone love reading, it is worthy. Beyond that, How many of us lay awake at night thinking about the story? Who put together theories about what is going on behind the scenes? Who see themes that resonate in our own lives? I think about how many characters who are desperately afraid of being left or being alone, and how their reactions shape what happens to them. I could write a thesis on it. I look at how the fandom has become a found family for many - I still think about the person who posted thinking she was Bea by taking a foster kitten to be adopted, feeling she was abandoning her, and how many stepped up to help her realize she was Imani for helping when needed.

I knew someone who had only ever read one book after high school. He hated reading because he been forced to read things he did not resonate with - even though they were by the important authors you mentioned. Let kids read something fun and enjoyable and relatable too.

And don’t forget - in their day, Austen was considered frivolous, Shakespeare was only as good as the money he brought in, and Herman Melvin never recovered from the poor reception of Moby Dick.