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Have you explained to your daughter why you think the books are not desirable for her age? This is a good chance to tell her why certain language is not "good," and why certain behavior is not desirable.
And think about the gore involved in " Goldilocks and the Big Bad Wolf" The child is eaten by the wolf. But the fairy tale is probably still being told. Don't forget Hansel and Gretel and the witch.
The Newspapers are full of articles that we wish we could protect our kids from. And what to do about TV ads about erectile disfunction? We explain. That's what you do about books that you don't think are just right. It's a learning experience. Make the most of it.
But, on the other hand, the teacher needs to understand that not all of the children in her class are ready for certain types of books. She needs to watch what she reccommends.
You mean like Anna Karenina, War & Peace, Oliver Twist, Catcher in the Rye, Tom Sawyer, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Roots, et cetera?
Hate to break it to you, but the "classics" are just as violent, sexy, racist, and misogynistic as anything out there today.
But not as graphic. I really wish they had less of an emphasis on science fiction/fantasy books. Pretty much that is all that has been read to or recommended to dd this year (okay, one rather disgusting realistic fiction and a murder mystery.) Why not some biographical novels, historical fiction, etc.? They have learned nothing for social studies this year other than beginning some work with an Atlas last week. They read this "mindless" fiction for 30 minutes a day, silently and the teacher reads more "mindless" fiction to them daily for 20 minutes. There is no discussion. What is the point? What is my dd learning? Even for those who think there is nothing harmful about these books, what is the benefit??? My dd has always loved reading. She doesn't need to be encouraged and before this school year, she enjoyed reading higher quality books. Now, she is walking around like a zombie with her nose in these books and wringing her hands when not. I will take the advice of some posters and more closely monitor her reading and help steer her back to some healthier choices. I cannot, however control what goes on in the classroom and I can't help but worry about what she will and won't learn this year.
LOL...well, if that's what you want to think, go right ahead. Fact is, I've read nearly every "classic" you can imagine and some of them are pretty damned graphic, both sexually and in terms of violence.
Try Fanny Hill, or the works of the Marquis de Sade, or Lady Chatterly's Lover, or Venus in Furs, or Les Chansons des Bilitis, the Kama Sutra, The Story of O...
LOL...well, if that's what you want to think, go right ahead. Fact is, I've read nearly every "classic" you can imagine and some of them are pretty damned graphic, both sexually and in terms of violence.
Try Fanny Hill, or the works of the Marquis de Sade, or Lady Chatterly's Lover, or Venus in Furs, or Les Chansons des Bilitis, the Kama Sutra, The Story of O...
I could go on and on.
Ummm. Not exactly the "classics" I would want recommended for my 10 y.o. There are the illustrated classics, like Heidi, Little Women, etc. And how about biographies written for children about great scientists, sports figures, etc. How about the schools teaching some geography, history, science, etc. in fifth grade? You really don't believe its graphic sex and violence or nothing, do you??? LOL
Thanks for responding. I have the book in my hand as I type. The descriptive passage of sadistic torture of Angel, the 6 year old in chapter 16 is "one" of my "substantial" reasons to find it inappropriate.
It's seems as though, with this thread and the other one, you will not like this teacher's choice of books no matter what. So it would probably be in your best interest to simply talk to the teacher and express your concerns and see if you can come to an understanding between you two as to what you will allow your daughter to read going forward.
Otherwise, your better option, in my opinion, would be to read the book both separately and with your daughter so that you can discuss with her each thing you find objectionable. We parents often discover that things are not interpreted the same way by our kids since they don't have the same level of maturity and life experience as we do.
For instance, your daughter may not see that passage as 'sadistic torture', but instead as merely something mean since she likely wouldn't understand 'sadistic torture' at such a young age. If she does understand that then you can take the opportunity to discuss why the author might have included it in the book and if she thinks it might have been better without it. If she doesn't understand it, it probably won't have much of an impact on her and she'll just pass it by, Either you'll have no need to worry or you can bring it to her attention and make sure she understands 'sadistic torture' and how you think she should view it.
Personally I have never censored my kids in regards to books. All 4 are big readers along with my husband and myself. My third daughter will be 12 soon and I would not have had a problem with her reading either of the books you mentioned at age 10. They would have fit right in with many of the other books she was interested in then and even now. Perhaps if she was not a very advanced reader, lacked in maturity and scared easily it would be different.....but she's the opposite of those, so it wouldn't have been a problem.
Also, I've read both authors and neither Hiaasen nor Patterson write trashy, pornographic books so those thoughts are an unfounded concern on your part.
I have spoken recently with a number of parents struggling with similar issues. Some have forwarded on to me some shocking information about what is going on in some schools and libraries:
There are a number of parents groups that have formed around these types of issues, many with an internet presence. The people I have corresponded with about this are either Christians or religious Jews. I do not know what your religious affiliation is, if any -- but all parents and concerned citizens interested in fighting this trend, regardless of religious affilliation, I am sure would be welcomed.
It's seems as though, with this thread and the one in the Parenting section, you will not like this teacher's choice of books no matter what. So it would probably be in your best interest to simply talk to the teacher and express your concerns and see if you can come to an understanding between you two as to what you will allow your daughter to read going forward.
Otherwise, your better option, in my opinion, would be to read the book both separately and with your daughter so that you can discuss with her each thing you find objectionable. We parents often discover that things are not interpreted the same way by our kids since they don't have the same level of maturity and life experience as we do.
For instance, your daughter may not see that passage as 'sadistic torture', but instead as merely something mean since she likely wouldn't understand 'sadistic torture' at such a young age. If she does understand that then you can take the opportunity to discuss why the author might have included it in the book and if she thinks it might have been better without it. If she doesn't understand it, it probably won't have much of an impact on her and she'll just pass it by, Either you'll have no need to worry or you can bring it to her attention and make sure she understands 'sadistic torture' and how you think she should view it.
Personally I have never censored my kids in regards to books. All 4 are big readers along with my husband and myself. My third daughter will be 12 soon and I would not have had a problem with her reading either of the books you mentioned at age 10. They would have fit right in with many of the other books she was interested in then and even now. Perhaps if she was not a very advanced reader, lacked in maturity and scared easily it would be different.....but she's the opposite of those, so it wouldn't have been a problem.
Also, I've read both authors and neither Hiaasen nor Patterson write trashy, pornographic books so those thoughts are an unfounded concern on your part.
Thanks, Hypocore, for your long, thoughtful response. I do think there is cause for concern when a teacher is recommending books that if books were rated would be PG-13 if not R. I do not allow my kids to watch those type of movies so why do I want them reading those type of books? If nothing else they are just "brain drain" on a young mind. I also feel that some stuff is too graphic and can be detrimental. Kids get desensitized to violence. Not good. BTW, the authors, especially Hiasson DOES indeed write trashy stuff. Perhaps the term is Pulp Fiction. Not something I want my dd drawn into when she goes to find another novel by the same author she has read in school. JMHO. Have a good day.
Thanks, Hypocore, for your long, thoughtful response. I do think there is cause for concern when a teacher is recommending books that if books were rated would be PG-13 if not R. I do not allow my kids to watch those type of movies so why do I want them reading those type of books? If nothing else they are just "brain drain" on a young mind. I also feel that some stuff is too graphic and can be detrimental. Kids get desensitized to violence. Not good. BTW, the authors, especially Hiasson DOES indeed write trashy stuff. Perhaps the term is Pulp Fiction. Not something I want my dd drawn into when she goes to find another novel by the same author she has read in school. JMHO. Have a good day.
Scat is listed as for kids 10-12, Angel Experiment for 12 and up, Little Women 9-12, and Heidi 9-12.
All that is a guideline for parents to have an understanding of what age they are geared towards. If you decide your 10 year old doesn't actually fit into that category of reading, then have that talk with the teacher.
There are plenty of movies out there rated PG that have cursing, suggestive scenes and less desirable behaviors, so they don't take the place of parental knowledge. Ratings cannot be used as a definitive line to draw......
LOL...well, if that's what you want to think, go right ahead. Fact is, I've read nearly every "classic" you can imagine and some of them are pretty damned graphic, both sexually and in terms of violence.
Try Fanny Hill, or the works of the Marquis de Sade, or Lady Chatterly's Lover, or Venus in Furs, or Les Chansons des Bilitis, the Kama Sutra, The Story of O...
I could go on and on.
Yes, you can go on and on, but what is the point. Just because a book is a "classic" does not mean it is appropriate for all ages. Why go on and on and on. The titles you listed are meant for adults, not kids! I don't see your beef, unless the teacher were planning to assign The Marquis de Sade or The Kama Sutra as the next reading selection for her fifth grade class.
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