When I learned my 10-year-old neighbor was reading The Hunger Games, my jaw dropped.  Really?  Already?  The words aren’t hard. It’s the topic.  Children killing other children in a complex moral/ political tale that’s meant for teenagers.

But now I realize I was naive. It’s not just 10-year-olds who are reading The Hunger Games, it’s 8 and 9-year-olds, too.  Teenage lit. has become the cool thing to read in elementary school.

Young Adult books (called “YA” in the publishing world), have long been known as crossover books. That’s because the topics and adventures in Young Adult books appeal to adults, too.  Some say 50% of the readers are adults.  It appears that YA books are truly crossing over – to young children.

Many adults I know refuse to read The Hunger Games.  I got a headache when I read it, the story is that intense.  The book is a fantastic read — for the right audience.

On one hand, I believe kids should be able to read whatever interests them.  I’m disturbed young kids are reading a book like this.  I’m also disturbed when elementary aged kids read the entire Harry Potter series.  The first few books are childlike, but the last ones were intended for teenage readers and deal with deeper evil and betrayal. Here’s why it disturbs me:

• They don’t get it.  Young kids can’t grasp what the book’s about.  Their moral, emotional and reasoning skills aren’t there yet.
• It’s a waste.  Good books deserve to be introduced at the right age.  When a child reads a great book too young (or too old) it falls flat.
• They’re missing other great books.  The shelves are full of fantastic books for elementary-aged kids.  This is an incredibly rich age for children’s literature and childhood is simply too short to read all the good ones.  These kids won’t enjoy these books later — the time is now.  Reading big teenage books instead is an opportunity cost.
• We’re upping the ante.  If an intense book like The Hunger Games becomes standard fare for elementary readers, how will they go up from there?  What will shock them or make them wrestle with high moral issues as teens?

Sure, elementary kids can read big, teen books, but Young Adult books these days are extremely “edgy.”  As caring adults we need to stand by these young readers.  Guide kids to age-appropriate books – incredible stories they will adore – and be prepared to stand by and support them if they get in over their heads.

Do you believe in guided reading?  Did you ever read a book ‘too young’ or ‘too old?’  What disturbs you about teenage books in the hands of children?