Inappropriate reading book (in my opinion)
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Noughts and Crosses and the sequels are very well written books and touch on many controversial social topics but they are challenging in content and more suited to secondary aged young people. I read them as an adult, as did my adolescent children and thought they were incredible books. I wonder if OPs child's teacher has actually read the books?
Malorie Blackman has won many awards, including an OBE for her services to children's literature and is currently Waterstone's Children's Laureate.somewhere between Heaven and Woolworth's0 -
At this age introducing sex via a reading book might be a good idea, however in my opinion the domestic violence/rape is a step way too far.
I would be speaking to the head. I think if they were going to do this parents should have been informed beforehand and given the opportunity to opt out.
Not the same but my seven year olds class will be watching a film that ties in with the subject they are currently learning. The film is a PG and I had to sign a letter to give my permission he could watch it, the children who are not given permission will not be able to watch.0 -
What a shame you won't let your daughter read it. It's a terrific book which has deserved all the awards and acclaim it has received which a fantastic message about racism and prejudice. The sequel is excellent too. The world is a harsh place for a lot of people - even 11 year olds in other parts of the world. I don't think an intelligent child of of daughter's age should be too young to learn that and discuss it with her teacher and classmates0
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I would have been very surprised that DD could access such a book in primary school and would have just a quick word to her teacher to ask if it was an error or whether the school had considered it appropriate.
Depending on the response, I would have asked the Headteacher to know under which principle it had been assessed as appropriate for under 12 reading.0 -
Just read the Amazon blurb/revies which reads as a different book to the one you have described... the main theme of the book is racism? You should ask to see the scheme of work before rushing judgement.0
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Although I've not read it myself I believe the book is much acclaimed as a novel for young adults. It is a similar story to Romeo and Juliet/ West Side Story so involves elements of race as well as the family, politics, relationships, violence etc.
I think it's aimed more at the early years of secondary school so maybe the school believes that (academically) they are challenging their Year 6 pupils.
I would have a discussion with the Headteacher. From what you say OP while your DD might be academically capable of the reading level she's not yet ready for the 'adult' nature of the book.
It's a dilemma for the school as no parent has ever complained, for instance, about elements of secondary mathematics being introduced in Year 6.0 -
Just read the Amazon blurb/revies which reads as a different book to the one you have described... the main theme of the book is racism? You should ask to see the scheme of work before rushing judgement.
It is. It's about a world with apartheid where black people are the rulers. The sequels are set a few years later as the system is coming to an end. The leading characters are from different races and do have sex but it's certainly not the focus of the book.0 -
barbarawright wrote: »It is. It's about a world with apartheid where black people are the rulers. The sequels are set a few years later as the system is coming to an end. The leading characters are from different races and do have sex but it's certainly not the focus of the book.
A quick look on tes resources suggests its a ks3 teaching resource, is the class an advance class?0 -
barbarawright wrote: »It is. It's about a world with apartheid where black people are the rulers. The sequels are set a few years later as the system is coming to an end. The leading characters are from different races and do have sex but it's certainly not the focus of the book.
It won't be the focus of the book to an adult reading it, or an older child. BUT it will be to a 10/11 year old reading and to their parents.
I would be questioning to the head whether they or any of the teachers have actually read it and why they feel it is appropriate.0
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