Whitney Levis answers “What age range is this for? I'm seeing...”

Meli asked this question about Pet (Pet, #1):

What age range is this for? I'm seeing shelves for middle grade, teen, young adult, etc. Could it really be directed at 9-20 year olds?

Whitney Levis This author is extremely careful with presentation. If you know the child already has first hand or even second hand experiences with trauma I think t…moreThis author is extremely careful with presentation. If you know the child already has first hand or even second hand experiences with trauma I think this is suitable as young as 8 or 9. If given to a younger reader I recommend ensuring they have a basic level of LGBT+ literacy as there is an expectation that they can understand, accept and move on with the story. I think for average readers middle school seems like a good time, it could be challenging for some younger readers to follow the three different types of communication that Jam uses. I intend to give it to my nephew in 5th grade but he is an avid and advanced reader and has LGBT+ literacy. It would be very easy for Emezi to have written a book that would require me to wait until 6th or 7th grade but it was so expertly written to obscure the details and have parts go over the heads of kids who are not ready to read and comprehend them.

I also recommend this for everyone older. Literally everyone. It invites us to consider a better world with restorative justice and what that world would be like for our children, while also showcasing how the fight for our communities is never fully over.(less)

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