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Would this be appropriate for a high school library where our students love Stephen King?
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Justin Klinger
The book has adult themes, but considering my library had books like It and The Stand in it, I wouldn't say it was as "adult" as either of those. But, I was raised in the 1980s and the 1990s, and we didn't worry quite so much about Dr. Seuss and the gender of a plastic potato.
If your library has room for "Flowers in the Attic" or the Bible, it has room for "Later."
If your library has room for "Flowers in the Attic" or the Bible, it has room for "Later."
Alexander Patton
I work at a large high school of 2600 kids and would have no reservations putting this on the shelf of our school library. Compared to what they see in movies and on television, this is not bad at all. Some adult themes such as drug use and sex, but nothing too bad.
Todd Fletcher
I just finished Later two days ago. There's some adult themes but they are extremely tame, especially compared to other work by Stephen King. Very little violence, two distinct references to a hypothetical sexual assault. Quick read also, you can probably finish it in one afternoon.
William J. Villineau
If you have other King novels which the students have read such as "IT", Misery, The Shining etc. This one should not be a problem.
Connie Courtney
I don't think so. The book touches on lesbianism, incest and rape.
Eva Schwarz-Pretner
I would not recommend it for high school students. The revelation at the end of the story would make young people feel extremely uncomfortable for sure.
Bill Homan
My answer would be for you to read it yourself. It is a fast one day read. You know what is appropriate for your student population. For me, it was rather tame compared to most things I have read or seen on Netflix but you'd know best.
Catherine
It's a short enough read that I suggest you read it and decide for yourself. I would have no problem letting my teenager read this. It does have some controversial elements such as drug use and incest -- the drug use is not romanticized but definitely villified and the incest is not a "theme" throughout the book but instead a short surprise at the end. However, all of this is seen from a child/teenager's perspective. If you don't want to or can't somehow read it for yourself, then my answer would be "yes" ... definitely.
Katelyn B
This answer contains spoilers…
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Angie Ryan
I think so. The main character is a young man who starts the book as a 6-year-old and the book ends when he is in his early twenties, but most of the action takes place while he is in high school so your students could relate. There are some references to adult situations, but none are graphically described. There are other King books that are much more graphic
Mikemcf31
no... too adult for high school kids. I finished it 2 minutes ago
Pat Christiansen
I would say no because of the adult themes. A second reason is that the book is boring, not at all like what Stephen King used to write.
Deepika
I would say no. This book is more suited towards college-aged young adults to adults. Some of the language, situations and words aren't suited for a high school library. My personal opinion.
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