There are books that never go out of style. José Martí's *La Edad de Oro* (The Golden Age) is a good example.

Good literature for children and young adults doesn't need defenses or labels: it’s, simply, good literature. It’s a mistake to assume that child readers must be treated condescendingly, from a supposed adult superiority that simplifies and sugarcoats.

Authors like José Martí demonstrated long ago that it’s possible to write for young people without making concessions to an imagined "inferiority" of their understanding, opting instead for respect for their intelligence and sensitivity.

Therein lies *La Edad de Oro*, a magazine aimed at children, where the clarity of the language does not imply any renunciation of depth. The prose and verse flow naturally, the metaphors are accessible without losing beauty, and the discourse preserves its height and soaring quality.

That’s why these texts have captivated readers of all ages and epochs: because they do not underestimate children, but rather invite them to grow through well-crafted language.

In Cuba today, several authors uphold this tradition with diverse and innovative approaches. Established names coexist with young creators, and the themes are no longer limited to classical repertoires, although these also retain their value.

It’s necessary to show beginning readers the complexity of the world, without losing sight of its particularities.

The problem arises when, in the name of “appropriateness,” a simplistic literature is imposed, lacking aesthetic flair or conceptual depth, which ultimately impoverishes the reading experience.

Fortunately, many writers have reacted against this trend, and the publishing landscape offers valuable books in various genres.

Publishers like Editorial Gente Nueva keep commendable catalogs, although challenges persist in promotion, reader development, and the physical quality of the books.

There are, undoubtedly, good books for children to read; the challenge lies in bringing them closer to children and fostering a love of reading within schools, families, and society.