Jennifer

Jennifer asked:

Would this book be appropriate for a middle schooler? Language? Sexuality?

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8 years ago
55 answers

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Sharon As a middle school librarian, I would not put this on my shelves. There is far too much foul language that goes beyond the normal YA read. The constant F bombs (and even Mother F bomb) make this inappropriate for 6th and 7th graders. Yes, they hear this kind of language on the streets but when youngsters read it in print, it makes the statement that this kind of language is condoned and acceptable for normal conversation. I agree that it is an awesome story that needs to be told, but for middle schoolers I would lean toward Jason Reynold's "All American Boys" instead of this book. Save this one for high school.

lucky little cat It's a remarkable book. If you're considering buying it for your own middle-grader, I'd suggest that you read it too. Your son or daughter will have questions, not necessarily about the swearing or the sex, but almost certainly about the racism.

Profanity and sex are handled responsibly by the author. And the racism is too.

Eve I love how the majority of answers I see are from teachers, parents, and librarians. I mean this sarcastically and completely seriously at the same time. One one hand, I understand the the opinion of a professional is to be trusted and if you say that this book is too profane for your child, I won't doubt you, but don't be so quick to make assumptions. I'm sure your kid isn't letting you on to the full extent of their knowledge. I'm fourteen and I'm pretty sure my parents think I've never used an f-bomb. (fyi: they're wrong.) If you're concerned your middle school kid is going to go around spouting swears all over the place, give them a little credit. If they're in middle school, they should be mature enough to know profanity shouldn't be used in casual conversation or even when they get a little mad. If you're still concerned, talk with them. It may be awkward at first, but exposing them to this language isn't wrong.

And my for my two cents on the sex part: There's little of it in the novel, but there is great dialogue around consent right off the bat.

Hera Barton There is language but it's nothing they don't hear every day at school or on TV. And there is some talk about sex but it's there to demonstrate how important it is to set and respect boundaries. I would let a middle school student read this.

Suze I'm actually trying to figure out how to put this into my 9th grade curriculum; sadly, I teach World Lit and British Lit, and it doesn't fit. So, now I'm trying to convince my 8th grade colleagues to incorporate it into their project where the students read To Kill a Mockingbird and a book about Emmett Till. I think it would be a natural progression.

Leah Rachel von Essen I honestly think that (obviously to reasonable extent) children should be allowed to read what they're interested in. When I was 12, I read books about AIDS, about racism, books with sex scenes in them, because they were at the library and I was interested. In the conversations that ensued, between the books and me and between my parents and me, I learned tons by way of empathy, the world, and how to handle myself. I learned about consent as well as female pleasure (my parents hardly filled me in 100%, but I have friends who didn't know about female orgasms, and I did). This is an excellent book that deals with racism through drama. It uses AAVE and profanity, and there are references to sex, but nothing that a 12-year-old can't handle.

Shey I'm thirteen and currently reading this, and I'm handling it fine. Like everyone else is saying, it depends on the person. I've been reading mature books like this for a few years now, but I do know quite a few friends who I don't think could handle this book just yet.

Jennifer Davis I think it would depend on the middle schooler in question. My 7th grade, 12-year-old isn't quite ready. Not because of the language or sexuality, but gang violence, domestic violence and her friends being shot in front of her. My daughter has led a relatively sheltered life, so I am exposing her to these issues incrementally. As Lucky Little Cat suggested, it might be a good book to read together.

Melanie Hays It has language, but I teach high school and it's nothing that I don't hear everyday in the halls. It's worded how teens actually speak. Having also worked in middle school, I wouldn't hesitate to let a 7th or 8th grade student read it.

Maggie Sievers My middle schooler is 12 and she's not ready for this book yet. I will definitely give it to her when she is about 15. Too much language and sexual references for her naïve brain.

Charlene Dixon This book needs to be with read to, with, and by middle school students. The book is authentic so it does contain some ugliness but if we filter it out for our kids how will they recognize and challenge it when they see it real life. I am a teacher in lower Elementary who has previously worked with middle school students. I would have loved if this book existed when I worked with seventh graders who were dealing with the challenges in this book long before they made headlines.

Ash Otterloo There's about as much language as a typical PG 13 movie, and within the context of family, there's a swear jar situation that made me smile. The words are much, much more contextual than what I typically hear coming out of middle school mouths, if that makes sense.

Janelle This is a no question a high school book. The moral decisions, racial tensions, self reflections and relationships are way beyond what any 10- 14 year old are aware of or should be thinking about unless you are forced to because of life circumstances. The way that the characters interact and speak about each other is not the way that you hope your child interacts with others. It is realistic fiction, AMAZING, and has MANY cultural ramifications and discussion questions to ponder. I just don't feel that the average or even exceptional middle school student would be ready for this book.

V Dixon The answer lies in what you find appropriate. The language is real and to some it will be offensive but it is within the context of situations. Honestly, I think Middle School kids know more and have heard more than we want to believe.

Cari That's a hard question. As much as I loved this book, I don't think I would let my 7th grader read it yet. It's less about the language or sex and more about concepts of racism, violence, drugs that I think would be difficult to explain to him at his maturity level. Particularly as a somewhat sheltered kid living in the suburbs. However, I have an 8th grade niece who would likely enjoy it. I think it depends on the child's maturity level and ability to grasp some difficult concepts.

Adrian Extreme profanity throughout. I wouldn't recommend it for that reason.

Haerlee I agree with lucky little cat; please read it before sharing it with your child. I have four boys in high school and I have no qualms sharing it with them. For their middle school cousins, however, I think that this reading material is too advanced. I read that this book is rated PG-13; I would place this around a PG-15, which is around what one would see on a Netflix show.

Ellen Yes, it's appropriate for a middle schooler. There is some language but nothing too bad, and seeing as this book is really important it's definitely worth it.

Emerald Lavere My 15 year old read it. I'm more protective than some, and wouldn't feel good about the language for under 13/14. There is a ton of bad language, including racial slurs. Also a couple mentions of hands in boyfriend/girlfriend's underpants. The violence is realistic and intense. An excellent book for me and my older teen, but up to you if you're comfortable with it for your kids.

An No. Absolutely not an appropriate book due to the almost constant profanity by itself. The sexual content is just as bad. Middle schoolers in particular should not be subjected to this book as an assignment from class. I understand that they hear the F word all the time at school in the halls or what not, but does that make it ok to assign them to read this extreme vulgarity that is so pervasive throughout? Our family does not speak like that, nor do we condone it.
Quite honestly, I cannot believe that my young son was assigned to read the lewd content about a 16 year old girl with her boyfriend, fooling around. He puts his hand in her shorts and “gets her going” to the point where he pulls out a condom, but she isn’t ready to “go all the way,” so she leaves “pissed and horny.” (Page 81)
Is this the content we want for our middle schoolers, seriously??!!
Wow, just wow.
I am shocked and flabbergasted that middle schoolers are assigned this book.
It’s ironic that one of the key points of the book in itself relates to the acronym THUG LIFE. My point being: The Hate U Give Little Infants *****Everybody.
Why it’s ironic is because giving extreme profanity and inappropriate sexual content as an assignment to young children will destroy morals.
There are so many other books that children can learn from about the injustices of racism.
This book was assigned reading at my son’s public middle school.

Amelia Yes. I'm in middle school and I've read it. I think the topics it talks about could be sensitive to some (police brutality, etc) but I think most middle schoolers wouldn't be alarmed by most of the things they talk about.

Monica It depends on the maturity level of the students. There is profanity and sexual innuendo, but is is mild compared to tv, even daytime tv. Avid middle school readers are accustomed to more mature themes. They understand dialogue. They "get" why authors/characters speak/act as they do.
I'm a librarian, and if I were in a middle school, I'd put this on the shelf and stick an 8th grade only sticker on it because you have to consider themes, as well, and there are some controversial and sometimes adult themes in this book. As a parent, I would have no problem letting my middle schooler read this book, and I would discuss it. As a secondary public school teacher, I would not assign it to a class. The hassle you would get from a few parents would not be worth it. I would read it to before/after school book club with parental permission. Or I would simply let kids see me reading it. You would be surprised how many secondary students check out a book simply because they see a teacher reading it.

Christie Dunne-Murphy No. Unless you think extremely graphic language, 'shit', 'bitch', 'fuck' are appropriate language to study in middle school and that kids dancing at parties 'so close they could use condoms' is appropriate sexual content.

PErson I beieve anyone over 13 should read this book because kids in our generation need to be able to learn about racism and the different cultures and lifestyles. Sure theres swearing and all, but I believe kids should be mature enough.

Alicia My 6th grade daughter is a very strong reader and has read several other adult level or non YA books on subjects of race, so I did let her read it and she really enjoyed it. I also trust her and know that if she wasn't comfortable with it she wouldn't read it. In addition, I also read it, and we've discussed it throughout to help with any of the difficult or explicit language, content, etc. I think it is a relevant book to bridge discussions between me and her around topics she hears about through news, social media or peer conversations already and adds an important modern portrayal of a topic they learn about in history as happening in the "past".

Nadia The Hate U Give is a really good book (plus I'm in 6th grade), but I don't think 6-8th graders should read it. You should talk to a trusted sibling or parent and talk about the book, because I have Deprecorophobia, the fear of swearing.

Never Never Land Let's be candid here. This is real life. Regardless that this is a fictional text, this is really happening and needs to be shared and read. We cannot ignore the truths represented in this book. Just like we cannot ignore the fact that slavery happened or that the holocaust happened. This is happening everyday and children, regardless of the grade they are in, see it. They deserve the opportunity to read about, attempt to understand it, and the chance to discuss it. We cannot keep them from seeing so please don't ignore their need to discuss it. I gree that the language and sexuality "are handled responsibly by the author" and I can guarantee that this is not what kids will be focusing on.

Megan Regel Kids ought to be able to read things they're interested without worrying about being censored by their parents.

This book is excellent and any intensity is handled well by the author. The book covers difficult subject matter in a sensitive way. The language is nothing your kids haven't heard or used before, even if you'd rather they didn't.

Books are the best way to introduce your kids to real-life situations. You should read it as well and then have a discussion! It's just so good, I'd hate for your kid(s) not to read it!

Cat Strawberry It's say it depends on the individual and how exposed they are to these things. The sexual references aren't actually that much and are dealt with well. I'd be more worried about the language and violence in the book but again it depends on the individual child. The violence can be a bit much for younger ages and there's a lot of the s and f word used. I'd personally say this is more a book for mid teens and was advertised to me personally as 14+.

K Jay There is a lot of language. Nothing they have not heard before. Most likely makes it easier for them to relate to the characters. The exploration of this topic is much needed and the perspectives fantastic. I would not hesitate to let a middle schooler read this book.

Jennifer I would definitely recommend this for a high schooler. May be too intense, violent, etc. for middle schoolers. There is reference to underage drinking and drugs.

Eric Bingham As a middle school teacher I would say it is not appropriate for a middle schooler. I really liked the book and felt like it had a very valuable message, but the profanity is quite bad. There are two brief sexual scenes. I wouldn't want my own child to read those scenes, but I don't necessarily feel like they are too much for a middle schooler (there is mention of a "bulge" in the boys pants that the main character is moving her hands towards, as well as condoms. That's about the worst of it). The language, however, was the issue for me.

Jaclyn Unfortunately author used heavy language to create impact which isn't ideal for middle schoolers. To put it in perspective this book uses 90 F*CKs, motherF*ckers' and 200 other words that seem excessive in such a short story! To put it in perspective PG13 movies are only permitted 1 F bomb for that rating. Educators should use caution when used in the classroom. Language & sexual references may also create additional stereotyping of this culture which isn't ideal when trying to shift perspectives and bring more equality for the next generation. Better suited to high school readers.

Valentine I'm 15 and read it not long ago and I would say 12 years old and up? It's not so much the sex or language but more the topic of racism and the like. It's even better if you read it that way you can talk about it with them. It's an important subject and I think this book is a good way to get the conversation going. Hope that helps!

Glen You didn't ask about violence, but the senseless, cold-blooded killing of children bothered me enough to lose a couple hours of sleep after listening to the first 30 minutes of this book. If your child isn't hyper-sensitive to violence like me, it's probably fine. I'm not a parent and can't speak to the language and sexuality appropriateness.

Lucy Jarman this book is an amazing read that give a very valid perspective and opinion on police brutality,And there is strong language and violence but nothing compared to real life. I let middle graders read this in hope to inspire them to end American's modern crisis.

Alex No this book isn't appropriate for middle school age children, or 9th graders, or 10th graders. How the fuck some of the reviewers could even think the shit is this book is alright is laughable. I am sure there is a bitch or two out there that can't wait for one of their students to read this book so they can fucking teach them some lame ass lesson. The simple fact is that there is there is always a number of hoes that want to put their dumb shit ideas on a review board because they feel they are the enlightened ones.

Danielle I remember reading Stephen King starting in 7th grade, and I turned out pretty well! So my plan is to read this book and then give it to my 4th grader as long as the violence/sex isn't too explicit & upsetting. She can always wait until 7th grade ;). But if she found this book on her own and started reading it, I would not forcibly take it away from her (I would want to know what is in it and warn her that it might not be the best choice, if that's what I believed). My parents did not censor my reading, and I will not censor my children's reading.

Isa Coming from a high schooler, I wouldn't have a middle schooler read this. Maybe wait until high school.

rick No. 16 and upward

Ellie Snead I think this book would only be suitable for someone who understands whats happening. It less a matter of Language and Sexuality but more about the books content with race and discrimination. Anyone who can see and experience this with the book I think is mature enough to read it.

염문섭 There is language about sexuality, but it also should be in the book. we can let us know the black community by reading this book because it tells the actual black's life. And I think language, sexuality are parts of the community. As one of high schooler in Korea, many students do not know how black community is. And my friends learn the black community by reading this book. many students are interested in that words. There is no doubt that language of sexuality break out interests of students and it can make students read further. But I suggest you if you are a parent for a middle schooler, it would be better reading it with your son or daughter, not to misuse these words.

Mariah_issa_savage I would say this book could be if the middle schoolers can handle it there are some parts that i personally wouldn't suggest but, mostly you should read it first.

Beautiful Chris K Well, it depends on what maturity your middle schoolers in. It wasn’t that much sex talk and the book but it had lots of swearing in it that I don’t think middle grade students could handle. But to answer your question it did’t talk about sex or homosexuality which I am surprised in the book. You might have to read it first to see what you think about it honestly.

Laura Absolutely! Language wasn't an issue nor was sexuality. I am taking my 10 year old to see the movie because I don't feel I can ever tell him enough how to deal with police. Ever.

Ramie Baker I would wait until high school, only because some of the stuff in this book is not G rated, there is a lot of swearing, and some sexuality. But its nothing that kids don't say or talk about these days. The book is based on racism which seems to be a big issue now, and it involves drug, shootings, sex, abuse, some stuff that you have to be mature about to understand and to accept. The intensity of the book and how everything is handled and said

Catroina It is a great book that adults should read. Then you can decide for yourself. You wont be disappointed that you did.

NotHonorGirl Middle schoolers know what language and sexuality are like to some degree. This book handles those topics maturely and in a way that won't negatively impact young readers. Not only that, but it teaches those reading a much more empathetic and understanding viewpoint of the problems the book addresses.

Jenn Marshall I think the fact that sheltered kids wouldn't be able to handle the racism is the exact reason why they should read this book. I'm a 40 year old adult and I wasn't prepared for the racism. It forever changed how I see the world. Absolutely I would let my child read this book. I agree you should do it together though. Hard topics shouldn't be handled alone.

Lisa i listened to this book with my 12 year old daughter while we drove, and then we talked about it. there is language, sexuality and violence, but, unfortunately, that's the world and i hope i'm opening this to her in a place where she can feel safe, ask me questions, understand and learn. loved hearing her thoughts and opinions on the topics raised in this book.

Vima Not appropriate. Language and content not your typical middle schooler maturity level. Inappropriate language, sexual references, domestic violence and gangbanging are necessary to tell this important story, but not necessarily something a young adult needs to be exposed to without plenty of guidance.

Amy Casley Yes, it will. My daughter readed it eleven years old.

Alycia Yes, I think this is appropriate, even required reading for middle school and up. People need to be reading and talking about this book and the sooner, the better.

Rowan Vannier It was pretty aight

Alyson Scholten there is a lot of language in the book but I think it is a great book to read, younger readers could learn alot from this book. I like the idea of you reading with your reader because you can answer the questions they may have

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