Middle grade parent alert

Parents, please note:

The rapid pace of cultural change might show up on your middle graders summer reading list.

Although downaging of dark topics has been happening for the last couple years, major signs of this trend are now popping up on reading lists for fifth, sixth and seventh graders.

Issues like the collateral damage from war, gender identity, mental illness, eating disorders and female genital mutilation have appeared in YA (young adult) categories, but the downward spiral of these serious issues has never been more dramatic or widespread.

Some observers feel that pushing the boundaries merely reflects what’s happening in society, but just because it’s happening, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for children.