Liz asked Miranda Kenneally:

Hi Miranda, Just checking for your opinion on an 11 (almost 12) year old girl reading your books. She loves romance but I find that sometimes YA books go a bit too far and may be inappropriate for her. Any insight would be greatly appreciated? Thanks! -Liz

Miranda Kenneally Hi Liz - Thank you for the question. I do know some 10, 11 and 12 year olds who have read my books, but I generally recommend that readers wait until they are 13 or 14 to read them. I also encourage parents to read my books first and determine if they are ok for younger preteen readers. When I was a teenager, I was never taught anything about safe sex or provided information about safe relationships, and neither were most kids at my school. My church and school only taught abstinence, and as a result, many girls become pregnant. I learned everything from Seventeen magazine! Thank goodness I had that.

I strongly believe in showing what safe sex looks like and empowering girls to decide what's best for them and their bodies, so I don't avoid tough topics. All of my books frankly discuss sex and relationships.

Here are some recommendations for YA romance novels that may be more appropriate for 11-12 year olds:
The Distance Between Us by Kasie West
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
First and Then by Emma Mills
Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer Smith
Grounded (Rapunzel) by Megan Morrison

Anyone else have suggestions?

flag