BTT Age-Inappropriate
In contrast to last week’s question–What do you think of censoring books BECAUSE of their intended age? Say, books too “old” for your kids to read?
I’m a librarian, so my answer is probably obvious. Kids get exposed to so much these days in so many formats. In my opinion it’s best that the “inappropriate” material be encountered first in books where the approach can be more thoughtful and deeper. Challenging books need to be on the shelves of libraries where young people can access them without being judged or spied on so that they can get answers to questions that they can’t ask aloud. If they are old enough to ask the questions, they are old enough to read the answers.
See more answers to this question at this week’s Booking Through Thursday.
Hi Joy,
I’ve enjoyed poking around on your blog today, and your response seems astute – esp. in your role as librarian. I haven’t received much feedback yet about whether/not folks are interested in a teacher’s perspective, and I thank you for your interest. Let’s just say that supporting students in their personal reading choices is an endlessly complicated topic for public high school English teachers!
I love your last sentence I totally agree with that sentiment.
Sally.
http://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday-18.html
Really good answer! I don’t like the idea of keeping books from kids because of themes, but there are topics that I think seem too dark for kids at a certain age. I’m not sure what the best way to deal with that is.
hey, i like your measured, considered opinion on this fraught topic. am going to share this with some friends who are parents