This weeks Booking Through Thursday asks:
In contrast to last week’s question–What do you think of censoring books BECAUSE of their intended age? Say, books too “old” for your kids to read?
As to censorship – I am against censoring books for ANY reason. A book is something that an author has put time, effort, and likely bits of their selves into. Who are we to judge and say that book should not be made available or should not be read?
As to the specific question of certain themes being ‘too old’ for kids, honestly, I think this is something thats happening a lot more in young adult and teen literature. The best example I have right now, is Hush, Hush. When I read that book, there were certain behaviors, negative behaviors, that were being glorified at different times throughout the book. I don’t think that these books should be hidden away, however, I do believe that parents should be available to discuss certain things with their children, such as the all too adult behavior being portrayed by teenagers in some books geared toward younger audiences.
Among Stories 
I like your answer! Mine is here
I think you are spot on with needing to discuss issues in books. That’s roughly what I said, but I waffled a little more!
I liked your first comment about the author too.
I am against censorship generally. I do think it’s up to the parent to decide whether or not they want their child to read something. That being said I actually think that your idea of making it an open discussion is better.
I certainly think that a parent is likely to know what their child can and cannot understand or what they may not be ready to read, but talking about what they read, no matter what they read, in my opinion is absolutely important.
I think parents being involved is VERY important!
If you are interested, my answer is here.
Good answer…and I also think that sometimes the forbidden is much more appealing and even has the wrong kind of impact.
Here’s MY THURSDAY MEMES POST
Oh, absolutely. It’s pretty much nature for us to want to do what we’re told not to, whether its going somewhere, reading something, or watching a movie.
Very good answer.
here’s mine:
http://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday_19.html
I agree. In an ideal scenario both parent and child would possibly have both read a book and be able to discuss it openly and honestly with one another.
That’s a great answer. I hate censorship – never a good idea.
Sally.
http://theelifylop.blogspot.com/2011/05/booking-through-thursday-18.html
I agree wholeheartedly with you! I don’t believe in censoring at all. I think there are things that a parent should also read and discuss with their child, but certainly not prevent them from reading something. Twilight is one of my favorite examples – no way would I let a kid of mine read that and not talk about it!