Topic of the Week: Reading Levels vs Maturity Levels

[jgurtler]

As writers and readers of Young Adult, we probably all have strong ideas about book banning and sensorship in schools and libraries. The loaded topic I'd like to discuss this week is the difference between reading levels and maturity levels and how that can be addressed

Comments

[wordsrmylife]

Who decides? If the child is selecting a book to read at school, the librarian or a teacher is in a position to make a suggestion and, because a school does stand in loco parentis, may decide that a first grader is not ready to read, say, Bridge to Terabithia. If it's a public library or a bookstore, only a parent gets to make any sort of decision.

I also think all children also need to know that if ever anything in a book makes them feel uncomfortable, they are free to close the book and put it away.

Is it a parents' responsibility to know? That depends on the age you're talking about. Somewhere in the early double digits, I think parents need to start letting go and to let their children learn to be independent. Kids hear all kinds of stuff from other kids on the bus, at school, on the playground, and wherever else they gather and books are, IMHO, a far more suitable place to encounter certain topics than those venues. Basically, I think a parent's role is to be available to answer questions.

But I would rather not see ratings on books. Flap copy or back cover copy usually provides sufficient information, and librarians usually do a great job of shelving books in the section where the appropriate readers will find them.

[jgurtler]

Great points. Who does decide. I love the line you wrote about them having the right to choose to close the book and put it down. How true!

I don't want ratings on books, especially after this great discussion.

Thanks for your input!