Age Appropriateness & Children’s Literature
Many are in favor of allowing kids and teens to “self-police” the books they read, trusting that they can decide what material they are equipped to handle. Shielding children from potentially upsetting content may also deny them the opportunity to learn about others and develop empathy:
Like adults, children don’t just want to read about themselves. Books that address challenging issues can offer opportunities to explore, to ask of yourself: “what would I do?” In the same way that millions of people watch hospital dramas and imagine themselves as part of the action, books provide children with the chance to empathise. They can play out a role in a safe environment. They can learn about how other people think. (The Guardian)
