Reading Tools: Mature Content

So your young reader has outgrown the children's section, exhausted the Easy-Reader and chapter book sections, and is looking for something"good." He spies a book in his interest area in the Teen/Young Adult section of a book order.  Your MOM-DAR goes ballistic as you skim the content and read an excerpt.  But he reeeeaaallly wants to read it.  What to do?

Deviantart.com defines mature content in literature as: controversial political or religious opinion, violence, gore, strong language, nudity or even themes involving mild sexual content.  

It's not directly related to the reading skill level, although most are written for an age-appropriate audience.  Books with themes about genocide, war, abduction, murder, rape, etc.  tend to fall into this category.  Mature literature can appear any genre including non-fiction, fiction, graphic novel, biography, even romance.  On the title page of a book there is often a list of identifying themes that can be a clue to whether or not the book is considered mature.  Once content is determined, consider the following:

• Know your Reader: What does your gut tell you?  Is it something he can handle or will it give him nightmares?
• Prepare: Look for a similar book that is more benign and have him read that first.  Watch a documentary about the topic. Talk to someone who has had experience in this area.  This will set the stage and prepare your ambitious reader for what he is about to read.
• Support: Even though you are ready and willing to answer questions for your child, it's a good idea to have someone else to turn to. A teacher, librarian, family member, or friend can be excellent, open-minded resource in this endeavor.

It's ok if he starts the book and decides he doesn't want to finish it.  Mature content is not for everyone.  Move on and suggest something more light-hearted. Like Tolstoy.  (just kidding)