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Just Mercy,
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Chase Lin
I am nearly thirteen and I believe it is very interesting, This is one of the best books I have read about justice for all race, other than to kill a mockingbird. This is an amazing book for a thirteen year old. You adults are underestimating our ability to understand a book.
Abigail
I have seen multiple ninth graders (14 yr olds) read it and be thoroughly enthralled, engaged, and outraged. I would definitely recommend, although I am sure that the young adult adaptation is also good.
Darla Jackson
I have a 13 year old, and I agree with Mike that it might be a bit much for that age. If you're interested in talking to your 13 year old about racism and the criminal justice system, you may want to watch "13th" on Netflix, about criminal justice and the 13th Amendment. I had my 13 year old read the book Monster by Walter Dean Myers. I read it too so we could discuss it, and it went very well.
Brandy Agent-Mccoy
My son is 15 and could not put the book down. He absolutely loved it.
Diana
But! There is now a version made for young adults--I haven't read it, so not sure about 13, but worth checking out: https://amzn.to/2tUiaZX
David Hambling
No, way too dull for that age. I would suggest a smart 17+ would be enthralled, and appalled.
Mike
A thirteen year old who's into reading could probably read the book, but I think that it would require an adult perspective to wrestle with all of the issues that come up. I wouldn't pick it as a book for an early teen to read alone, but if someone that age is interested, it might be a good book for a parent (or other trusted adult) and teen to both read and to discuss together.
Krista
Yes! There is a young adult version. I don't think it too much for the age - in fact all the more reason young people should read and become familiar with history repeating itself time and time again.
Sarah Marcotte
It really depends on the reader. At 13, the likelihood that some of the nuances of these issues might go straight over their head is fairly high, but ultimately that comes down to the individual and where they're at intellectually. Whether or not a 13 year old might find some subject matter (murder, child abuse, and rape specifically) overly disturbing or distressing is also something that would have to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
A 13 year old is definitely outside of the target audience of the book, but they could still get something out of it. Perhaps this book would offer more to them if it were read in tandem with another book about the justice system and racism targeted towards young adults.
A 13 year old is definitely outside of the target audience of the book, but they could still get something out of it. Perhaps this book would offer more to them if it were read in tandem with another book about the justice system and racism targeted towards young adults.
Dana Busby
I would suggest Between the World and Me instead for a 13 year old. Although that is perhaps a little intellectual for a 13 year old. If the 13 year old is a girl, The Hate U Give was very good.
Stefanie Delinois
I think it is a good book and a 13 year old would find it interesting, but I would use discretion. I think it depends a lot on your 13 year old. I would encourage you to read or listen to it before giving it to your child. And yes, if you decide they can handle, definitely read/listen to it together. I assume it will bring forth a lot of good discussion. And at least then you would have to opportunity to present these topics to your child rather than someone else. It deals with a lot of very heavy things- violent crime, abuse, death penalty, etc. I am a very sensitive person, and it was hard for me to listen to. There were many times that I found myself with tears streaming down my face as I listened. I think the content is important to engage with though, which is why I continued. Also, Bryan Stevenson does a good job not being overly graphic or sensationalizing the content, but he is also honest and presents things clearly. It is a heavy read.
Dee
i agree with Mike - but it might be a book that you could read together (or you read first and be prepared to discuss questions) - I know as a 13 year old, I could have read it but probably would have had lots of questions (I read To Kill A Mockingbird around the same time frame)
Melissa Porter
This might be a little much for a 13 year old to read.
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