I'm not going to mention the title, because people might go pick it up. But really, does YA fiction have to be SO graphic about sex? The reviews don't hide this-- I think I just loved the cover so much that I had to read it. This is exactly why I try to read everything before I buy it. Sigh.
Had a student yesterday ask why I didn't have Meg Cabot's Ready or Not, since it is the sequel to All-American Girl. I told her it was inappropriate, and she wanted to know why.
"8th grade health class issues," I replied.
"Huh?" quoth she.
"With her boyfriend." Blank stare. "The book is about whether she is ready or not to... have relations with her boyfriend."
She still didn't get it. I said she would have to ask her mother. Then she got it. I cannot imagine having a conversation with my middle school librarian like this without dying a thousand deaths, but the student sneered in a way that indicated I should have just yelled "sex!" across the library. See? See what these books are doing to the youth of America? And people have complained about Naylor's Alice books?
For librarians-- you might pick up Bennett's The Uncommon Reader. It has its missteps as well, but how can you not love a book about Queen Elizabeth becoming addicted to reading?
Friday, April 18, 2008
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It does sound like quite the challenge these days, being a middle school librarian. I started Ready or Not, having enjoyed the first book. I was listening on MP3, and I just couldn't for the life of me get into it. And I certainly wouldn't have been comfortable reading it in middle school, either.
ReplyDeleteNow I *really* want to know the title of the scandalous book.
ReplyDeleteIn other news, Adam Selzer's PIRATES OF THE RETAIL WASTELAND came out April 8th. Have you gotten a hold of it yet?
I'm curious of the title as well. Just to see if I've read it or have it on hand to read.
ReplyDeleteWow! I knew you must be in a middle school when I saw the title of your post. I have this issue a lot. Lately, it's been with the graphic novels. Some are a little more "graphic" than necessary :)
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