Suzy answers “I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and...”

A Goodreads user asked this question about Greenlights:

I'm a public school librarian on a 9th and 10th grade campus (ages 14-16)...in Texas...and I'm getting lots of requests for this book. Is there anything that stands out that would make it objectionable for that audience? Note: some foul language would not necessarily exclude it, but it would if it were too much or just done for shock value (the reviews don't seem to mention any overly salacious content).

Suzy Stone It seems to me that Matthew (he is not a door Matt) was honest, owned his life, and spoke the truth, his truth. I am sure you have already decided wha…moreIt seems to me that Matthew (he is not a door Matt) was honest, owned his life, and spoke the truth, his truth. I am sure you have already decided what you will or won't do regarding this publication, but I would like to offer this, writers have been writing for years and what was considered offensive 20 years ago is no longer offensive today. What is written today and found to offend will likely not offend in 20 years. My point? We can learn from reading, be it good, bad, or indifferent, but that is up to the individual who is reading the material. Could a 9th grader read this material and decern what was right and wrong? I think so, but I also know that there might be a 9th grader who could be triggered by the content in this book. If language is an issue I assure you they have heard it, how do I know because I did and I am well past 40. If a 9th grader hasn't found their moral compass yet, perhaps this book isn't for them but my guess is that most have and to some degree want to know if they are on the right track. Protecting young minds is noble. I have lived by one rule and raised 10 children by; if they are old enough to ask the question they are old enough to have a "real" answer. It's up to you to determine what the "real" answer is. I assure you, if you don't give them one, they will find someone who will.
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