Monica answers “Would this book be appropriate for a...”

Jennifer asked this question about The Hate U Give (The Hate U Give, #1):

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

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 …moreIt 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. (less)

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