A little rant.....

Today in the Associated Press there is an article that you can read here.

The article is about the books that are the most complained about by parents.  Stephenie Meyer's Twilight is number 5 on the list.  The other books on the list were Catcher In The Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Color Purple, IM (I have not read), etc.  (See article for complete list)

Here is how I feel about it:

First, make sure that whatever book your child/teen is reading is age appropriate.  Some books simply have too mature a theme for the advanced younger readers.  There are books out there that will challenge them, but are still appropriate.  Seek them out and be a big part of talking to them about the content.


Second, I say kudos to Stephenie Meyer.  Though her books are not literary masterpieces, she sparked a whole new love of reading in people who otherwise would not have picked up a book for pure enjoyment purposes.  I have 2 friends who had not read a book on purpose since high school, but after being convinced to read Twilight they are now book nerds, constantly reading anything they can get their hands on.  Would I let my 8 and 12 year old daughters read this book?  Not yet, but when they are older, absolutely.  (I tend to try for innocence as long as possible)


Third, see my first point!  Educate yourself about the content of books.  Read with your kids.  My daughter and I are constantly reading the same books.  Usually I read the book first and then make my decision.  My son who is older comes to me about every other week looking for something that I would suggest.  He has read Tom Sawyer, The Count Of Monte Cristo, To Kill A Mockingbird, The Golden Compass series, Les Miserable and so on, all on my recommendation. Help your child find something you think is appropriate.  But remember that what you think is appropriate may or may not coincide with another parents view on the same book.  There is nothing wrong with that! 


I just had to get that off my chest.