Leigh Allanson-Evans
asked:
This sounds like a great book for my high school library, is it suitable for teens? Or is it 'too' sweary? Thanks
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Hollow Kingdom,
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Stuart Rodriguez
Hollow Kingdom would be a fantastic addition to your high school library. It’s an incredibly fun, well-written, and engaging novel about overcoming adversity, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, standing up for those weaker than you, and the power of friendship and found family.
Yes, it is sweary, but please don’t let that deter you; the language and imagery in this book aren’t anything teenagers haven’t already heard or read about online. And hey, think about it this way—the novel’s language might mean a lower barrier of entry for students who are non-readers. This book’s messages are absolutely worth the delivery, so I hope you can trust your students to parse the language and messages in this incredibly fun and vibrant novel.
Yes, it is sweary, but please don’t let that deter you; the language and imagery in this book aren’t anything teenagers haven’t already heard or read about online. And hey, think about it this way—the novel’s language might mean a lower barrier of entry for students who are non-readers. This book’s messages are absolutely worth the delivery, so I hope you can trust your students to parse the language and messages in this incredibly fun and vibrant novel.
Holly Ristau
As a retired jr. high/high school librarian, I can tell you exactly which of my kids would have loved this book and which parents would be upset with that book being available to kids and would question why a responsible librarian would have such a book in the collection. I have fought for some books that were questioned, but I wouldn't go to bat for the language in this one.
Katy St. Clair
It's sort of sweary, but not like a Scorsese or Tarantino movie. The crow mimics his owner's language, which included a lot of "douche canoes" and stuff like that. I can't see a teacher having his or her class study this book, but I would've loved to come across it in my high school library on my own.
Katherine
One of my only criticism of the book is the gratuitous amount of swearing. It would not have bothered me at all before I had kids, but with 3 youngish kids in the house (ages 7-9), I definitely could not play the audiobook without headphones. I am sure this is nothing that would shock most American teenagers - I can't even imagine what they are exposed to online these days - but I also can't imagine a teacher assigning this book, as the literary quality is not quite original enough to justify the amount of adult language and humor for more sensitive young readers. Catcher in the Rye, it is not. In summary: yes, of course it should be on the shelf as I would never condone banning a book; and I think older high schoolers (15+?) would find it very current and entertaining - but beware some parents will find it inappropriate; and I would not recommend for middle school.
Yona
I think a lot of teens would like it—I would've!—but it feels like an adult book to me.
Sav
We have it cataloged in our adult collection and having read the book I agree with that assessment. Lots of F bombs (especially in the beginning), higher end vocabulary, and some grotesque descriptions. That said it's an interesting book and I'm sure teens would enjoy it very much.
JenBsBooks
Thanks to Kindle search ... the f-bomb is there 53 times, and "mofo" 430 times. Some other swears (the MC's name is Sh*tTurd).
Corinne
I actually think this would be a fantastic book for teenagers - the dirty humor and imaginative premise would really grab folks who are not necessarily typical readers. Plus, the core of the story is about being true to yourself and then trusting yourself and others. I agree with Stuart's answer wholeheartedly.
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