Is this weird?

DS is in 6th grade. He's 11. He's a voracious reader, and often reads things that are waaayyy abve his reading level. Him being such an advanced reader is both a blessing and a curse, because it's really hard for me to keep up with what he's reading and to try to make sure that it doesn't have inappropriate content.

His reading teacher encourages him to read a lot and gives him lots of recommendations for things. I've trusted her because she's been teaching kids his age for 20 years and we've had several in depth conversations about his abilities and maturity level.

Today he came home and when I looked in his planner I saw in the "Notes" section of his planner he had written, "Game of Thrones series- George R. R. Martin." When I asked him about it, he said that his reading teacher had recommended the series for him to read, and that he was going to get the book at the library this week. I told him that he was not allowed to read those books, they had too much adult content, and that his teacher had probably forgetten about the content of them.

I don't know if you guys have read them but they are LOADED with graphic sex, rape, and gory violence. I don't know if anyone who has ever read them would forget that. I'm really upset that she would recommend these books to my 11 year old!!!!

WWYD? Would you call the teacher and bring it up? (Not really my style, but I'm pretty upset) or let it go?

Re: Is this weird?

I've read the series myself (love them actually), but I agree with you, the content is way too mature for 11 years old.

I think you have a valid reason to bring it up with the teacher. You don't have to be accusatory, I would just call or email and say that you saw she recommended GoT, and having read the books yourself, you wondered if some of the graphic sex and violence might be disturbing for a younger reader. I bet you anything the teacher either never read those books, or read them long ago and forgot how graphic they are.

Re: Is this weird?

While I have not read those books, since you have and know the mature content I would call or write a letter to the teacher. I think sometimes books are recommended in the young adult section of a store and they are not always appropriate for an advanced reader.

ETA: With that said, I would not make them "forbidden fruit" to your son. I would explain to him that you love his reading skills but this is a book that has some topics that you would like for him to wait to read. It is not that you don't ever want him reading these books but you would prefer him to read something else. I would have another book and suggestion to back up the denial of this book.

Message edited 1/5/2012 4:32:16 PM.

Re: Is this weird?

Absolutely contact the teacher.

I'm in the same boat as you with the strong reader. I was debating giving him the Hunger Games, which is a little more tame (but still violent).