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I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,
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Erica
I was assigned to read this book for the first time in 5th grade. It's age appropriate. I don't think it's inappropriate. It's not vulgar. It' addresses REAL issues though.
Dawn
Because of graphic sexual content, including molestation and rape, I would NEVER give this book to a child younger than high school age. Even then, I would definitely want to discuss the book with the child. You can see my review for more detail on my opinion of this book.
Sarah 🌺 Books in Their Natural Habitat
I was given this book to read in 6th grade which (after starting it) was taken away by mother. Reading it now as an adult, I realize that while it is tastefully written, many of the concepts (molestation, rape) would have been beyond my comprehension level and would have turned my world upside down. My personal belief is that readers would get more out of it reading it at an older age with discussion.
Alex
It depends. If the child reads a lot and/or can handle a variety of topics, then yes. The book does address topics of racism, murder/violence, molestation/rape, sex, and (one could argue) neglect. BUT the topics are addressed indirectly or without great detail, and is well renowned for its insight.
Lily Gordon
this may be too late, but oh well. I don't think your sixth grader should read this. There is a slightly graphic part that is quite upsetting and I would have been very disturbed by it at that age.
Rebecca
There is one chapter in it which could leave you traumatised for life. Shaking and terrified. The entire rest of the book is suitable as a class book. There are things she misunderstood as a child which were never set right, so an adult should be there to guide
Zenaida Almodovar
The book tastefully addresses issues of molestation, rape, racism. But it does so within the context of the trials and tribulations of growing up as well.
Blen
I read this book in sixth grade and honestly speaking there is nothing your child didn't already know. There are only minor parts that include heavy graphic content. It mainly focuses on Maya's prespective of racism in her young age. It's insighting and is everything we're going through today! I highly suggest reading this book. (And I know I'm late!)
C.C. Reverie
I was shock by the brutality of Angelou's description of the molestation and rape that occurred in her childhood. I was shock of her honesty as well. I am also admiring her for both of those qualities. But I am not a young woman anymore and i have read and heard many accounts of sexual abuse and trauma and I was still shocked. She tells the story through herself as a child and she makes me see the what she saw, the horror of it all, the consequences, the distorted view of the world imposed upon the victim. And because the way she writes makes the reader have powerful emotion, I won't recommend it for someone younger then 18.
It is not for a young person but for an adult so that adult can protect the youngsters.
Beyond those rape/abuse episodes, the book is very interesting and the subject discussed are better absorbed at a more mature age.
It is not for a young person but for an adult so that adult can protect the youngsters.
Beyond those rape/abuse episodes, the book is very interesting and the subject discussed are better absorbed at a more mature age.
Gold Dust
I think sixth grade is too young. Even though your sixth grader may have had sex or have peers who have had sex, it’s a generally accepted rule of thumb to not expose a child to sex in movies or books until age 13. That’s why there’s the movie rating of PG-13. My schools didn’t assign sexual books until 9th grade, which is age 14.
Adam Kinunen
There is some graphic pedophile rape in this book. Are you joking?
Matilde
This is definitely too late, but just in case-
This book does cover topics sensitive to a young child, but it is more thought-provoking than traumatizing.
I would recommend this to an older child, not because of the content, but because of the themes.
There are many complex and deep-rooted messages in this book that might be too hard for a 6th grader to understand.
However, go for it!
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a great piece of literature. If your child has trouble understanding, they should read it again when they are older.
This book does cover topics sensitive to a young child, but it is more thought-provoking than traumatizing.
I would recommend this to an older child, not because of the content, but because of the themes.
There are many complex and deep-rooted messages in this book that might be too hard for a 6th grader to understand.
However, go for it!
I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings is a great piece of literature. If your child has trouble understanding, they should read it again when they are older.
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