From: Robyn Murphy <robynlib>
Date: Sun, 4 May 2003 09:40:53 -0700 (PDT)

I definately think "edgy" YA books are a good thing, both for teens and for parents who may want to also read the books and use them as a jumping off point for what can be awkward discussions.

There are so many things that parents need to talk to their children about - sex, drugs, peer pressure, etc
- and they may feel a bit lost as to how to start a constructive conversation. Books like Jack Gantos'
"Hole in My Life" can be a wonderful way for families to begin a serious discussion with some common ground.

Also, the simple act of reading the same books whether or not they have contoversial or difficult subjects - can help to bring families together.

I think these books are even more important for teens and children whose parents just do not, for whatever reason, have these conversations with them. The authors of the books can be a sort of surrogate parentel figure, by introducing relevant topics to those who most need their guidance.

Robyn Murphy Dover, NH URI GSLIS student

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Received on Sun 04 May 2003 11:40:53 AM CDT