Calley
asked
Katie McGarry:
I know your target audience is young adult, but I have loved every single book of yours that I have read (mid 30's mom that I am!). I love young adult books and often think about which ones I will encourage my kids to read when I think they are of age. Your books are definitely on the list! My question is, will you encourage your kids to read your books? At what age?
Katie McGarry
Hi Calley,
I'm close to 40 and still read YA. That's what makes Young Adult books so amazing--they are universal. They are meant to be read by any age.
I'm handling my kids and my books on a child-by-child basis.
Recently my daughter and I had a discussion about boys and sex. She asked when she would know if she really "liked" a boy and I told her she would know when it would happen. We talked about butterflies in the stomach and how that special someone would make her smile. I took that opportunity to talk to her about my past and the mistakes I felt like I made and then told her that I wrote several of my books for her.
I told her that in my books I am showing her the qualities of a man I hope she'll date/marry some day and I also wanted her to see that she should never feel pressured to kiss/have sex. That if a guy truly loves her, he'll wait.
And if she decides to do more...that she should always be protected.
A few days ago, my daughter did ask when she could read my books. And that's what I'm looking for--for them to come to me. I never want my children to feel forced to read my books because that would be awkward for all of us. :-)
She has 2 more books she has to read for school and then I'm going to let her read Red at Night and we'll go from there. My daughter is currently in middle school.
My books are very personal and I'll admit to being nervous about my kids reading them. They know some about my life when I was younger, but reading my books will mean deeper conversations about who I was and mistakes I made. All conversations that I want to have, need to have, but it doesn't make it any less nerve wracking.
To be honest, I'm glad she's asked to read them now. I see what she faces day to day going to school and I feel like her reading my books is going to be a good way for us to discuss the heavy topics that are in my books and the heavy topics she experiences or sees people experiencing on a daily basis.
Age wise--I tell parents that you know your child better than me. As you know, my books contain cursing, heavy topics, sexual content. It all depends upon your child's maturity level and what you feel they can handle.
I will also say this--our children grow up a lot faster than we think. Whether we like it or not, they are experiencing or being exposed daily to heavy things. Books are a safe way to explore the world and give people a safe place to sort out their emotions on topics.
I know that's a long answer and also a non answer. I'm letting my daughter start reading one of my books and she's in middle school. Is that my recommendation for anyone else? No. It's my recommendation for my daughter. Each person is different.
I can't thank you enough for reading my books and I'm absolutely honored that you are going to give my books to your kids.
((hugs)) for the question and you are amazing!
Katie
I'm close to 40 and still read YA. That's what makes Young Adult books so amazing--they are universal. They are meant to be read by any age.
I'm handling my kids and my books on a child-by-child basis.
Recently my daughter and I had a discussion about boys and sex. She asked when she would know if she really "liked" a boy and I told her she would know when it would happen. We talked about butterflies in the stomach and how that special someone would make her smile. I took that opportunity to talk to her about my past and the mistakes I felt like I made and then told her that I wrote several of my books for her.
I told her that in my books I am showing her the qualities of a man I hope she'll date/marry some day and I also wanted her to see that she should never feel pressured to kiss/have sex. That if a guy truly loves her, he'll wait.
And if she decides to do more...that she should always be protected.
A few days ago, my daughter did ask when she could read my books. And that's what I'm looking for--for them to come to me. I never want my children to feel forced to read my books because that would be awkward for all of us. :-)
She has 2 more books she has to read for school and then I'm going to let her read Red at Night and we'll go from there. My daughter is currently in middle school.
My books are very personal and I'll admit to being nervous about my kids reading them. They know some about my life when I was younger, but reading my books will mean deeper conversations about who I was and mistakes I made. All conversations that I want to have, need to have, but it doesn't make it any less nerve wracking.
To be honest, I'm glad she's asked to read them now. I see what she faces day to day going to school and I feel like her reading my books is going to be a good way for us to discuss the heavy topics that are in my books and the heavy topics she experiences or sees people experiencing on a daily basis.
Age wise--I tell parents that you know your child better than me. As you know, my books contain cursing, heavy topics, sexual content. It all depends upon your child's maturity level and what you feel they can handle.
I will also say this--our children grow up a lot faster than we think. Whether we like it or not, they are experiencing or being exposed daily to heavy things. Books are a safe way to explore the world and give people a safe place to sort out their emotions on topics.
I know that's a long answer and also a non answer. I'm letting my daughter start reading one of my books and she's in middle school. Is that my recommendation for anyone else? No. It's my recommendation for my daughter. Each person is different.
I can't thank you enough for reading my books and I'm absolutely honored that you are going to give my books to your kids.
((hugs)) for the question and you are amazing!
Katie
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Dec 03, 2015 04:07AM