Eve’s answer to “Would this book be appropriate for a middle schooler? Language? Sexuality?” > Likes and Comments
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Amen.
Great comment! You are completely right about kids your age and I’m saying that as a teacher and a mom. It’s dumb for parents to be that ignorant to think that your kids aren’t using curse words (including the F-word) as young as 12. It’s the culture we live in and doesn’t have anything to do with our parenting style.
I totally agree!!! When I started the book, I have to admit I was a little "put off" by the strong language. But very quickly, I settled into the rhythm of the novel and the way the author USES the language is brilliant. It actually HELPS the reader understand the difference between Starr's two worlds. She even talks about how she has to change the words she uses when she bounces between neighborhoods. So yes, there is language. But I found it in the end to be a helpful and necessary tool to tell the story.
I haven't read this book yet, but I plan to, and I might give it to my 10 year old to read. I don't censor her reading, but I wouldn't recommend something that would be too heavy for her. I don't have a problem with her reading something that has profanity because she understands that it's allowed in different contexts and just because she reads a book with profanity, or even hears people talking that way, does not mean that it's acceptable for home or school. I would be more concerned about disturbing scenes- like explicit sex or violence that would be very upsetting. I think one time I gave her something to read that had stuff in it that she knew was too much for her, and she skipped that part. So Eve, I agree with you- I think we should give kids some credit and let them take responsibility for their own actions, and not assume that just because they read something in a book means they will now think it's OK. If you expect kids to be smart and mature they are more likely to act that way!
You wrote this answer 3 years ago, so you should be around 17 now. Hoping you're just as astute now as then. The language around consent on both of Starr's moments alone with Chris in this book had me cheering! Would that I had felt so self-aware and empowered at Starr's age.
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Alycia
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Apr 03, 2018 06:44PM
Amen.
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Great comment! You are completely right about kids your age and I’m saying that as a teacher and a mom. It’s dumb for parents to be that ignorant to think that your kids aren’t using curse words (including the F-word) as young as 12. It’s the culture we live in and doesn’t have anything to do with our parenting style.
I totally agree!!! When I started the book, I have to admit I was a little "put off" by the strong language. But very quickly, I settled into the rhythm of the novel and the way the author USES the language is brilliant. It actually HELPS the reader understand the difference between Starr's two worlds. She even talks about how she has to change the words she uses when she bounces between neighborhoods. So yes, there is language. But I found it in the end to be a helpful and necessary tool to tell the story.
I haven't read this book yet, but I plan to, and I might give it to my 10 year old to read. I don't censor her reading, but I wouldn't recommend something that would be too heavy for her. I don't have a problem with her reading something that has profanity because she understands that it's allowed in different contexts and just because she reads a book with profanity, or even hears people talking that way, does not mean that it's acceptable for home or school. I would be more concerned about disturbing scenes- like explicit sex or violence that would be very upsetting. I think one time I gave her something to read that had stuff in it that she knew was too much for her, and she skipped that part. So Eve, I agree with you- I think we should give kids some credit and let them take responsibility for their own actions, and not assume that just because they read something in a book means they will now think it's OK. If you expect kids to be smart and mature they are more likely to act that way!
You wrote this answer 3 years ago, so you should be around 17 now. Hoping you're just as astute now as then. The language around consent on both of Starr's moments alone with Chris in this book had me cheering! Would that I had felt so self-aware and empowered at Starr's age.
