Teddy Bear Books
asked:
So this book is a graphic novel? Also, would you say it was YA or Middle Grade?
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This One Summer,
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Sheri Levasseur
I think middle graders will decide for themselves whether they are ready for this book of not. There is definitely adult content in it..but through the eyes of a young teen, with some innocence.
I think many young teens will identify with and welcome a sense of how other teens see the adult world.
I have seen teens put down books like this, because they weren't ready for this kind of content. I have seen others eat it up because they so badly crave even literal contact with other teen perspectives similar to their own developing understanding of their adult world. This is an important book for that reason and belongs on the shelf of YA collections. Lots of opportunities for discussion with this book. There is no real plot...no real ending..just a summer memoir..that's it. It's enough.
I think many young teens will identify with and welcome a sense of how other teens see the adult world.
I have seen teens put down books like this, because they weren't ready for this kind of content. I have seen others eat it up because they so badly crave even literal contact with other teen perspectives similar to their own developing understanding of their adult world. This is an important book for that reason and belongs on the shelf of YA collections. Lots of opportunities for discussion with this book. There is no real plot...no real ending..just a summer memoir..that's it. It's enough.
Mikki Jennings
This graphic novel is not appropriate for middle school. Middle school now includes 6th grade students just eleven years old. The language is vulgar and while many overtly sexual preteens may relate to the subject, unless you are prepared for the guttural language, it is highly offensive.
Gloria Otto
My 5th grader was desperate to get her hands on this book after reading the reviews. She checked it out at the library, and we initially looked at it together. She was not comfortable reading it yet, and I agree that it's definitely beyond her maturity. I'm sure there are kids her age who ARE already encountering some of the situations in this book, and in that case I wouldn't keep it out of their hands. It is, however, appropriate for my 8th grader. The language and situations in the book are things she's already observing and hearing around her in the teen world of school, sports, etc. Still, I recommend parents reading it first before placing it in the hands of their middle grade kids. Even high schoolers may want to discuss some of the things they read about. It can open the door to some meaningful dialog that's important between parents and teens.
Immanythings
For the purpose of content, I would say YA (maybe 9-10th grade).
Beth
I wish these graphic novels had a rating like movies. My 11yo got it from the library but gave it right back to me as soon as she started reading it. Upon thumbing thru it, I saw the F-word all over the place & another instance where girls are discussing slutiness. This is a book for adults.
Multiregalos
is there a second book???
Amber Fernald
I would consider it a YA book because it has lots of references to more mature topics
Aran Johnson
For a middle grade reader who has High School aged siblings, then this book will probably not contain any language or concepts the child hasn't already encountered or heard about. But this book is going to have a lot of language and situations that the middle reader who is an only child or oldest child is very unlikely going to be able to contextualize.
Kailynn
Honestly I think its perfect for middle grades - because it addresses their world.
Chris
I'd have to say YA, if anything. There was swearing, talks of sex and other topics I'd say disqualify it from from being Middle Grade fiction. I mean, I don't think it'll traumatize a kid that young, but it is definitely aimed at people who've surpassed their childhood than people who are still in it.
Hope L. Justice
This book has been controversial because of it's content and intended age range. I think this belongs in a YA collection.
Karys McEwen
This One Summer is a book about teenagers, for teenagers. It is a beautifully raw graphic novel, and as a young adult librarian I believe if anyone finds the story too confronting, they can put it down and move on. But I wouldn't restrict access to this book for middle grade or senior students, especially because it is such an important book.
Michelle Kelley
Totally YA. As a Teacher Librarian who has purchased for all levels, K-12, I wouldn't even put it in my high school collection. My personal thoughts and views on why are in my review of the book.
Stephen Lewis
Yes, it is a graphic novel and it has some R - rated swearing as well as some sexual situations. I wouldn't recommend it as a middle grade book, but you may be different.
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May 04, 2015 05:26PM · flag
May 25, 2015 07:02PM · flag