[Publib] [Fwd: Choosing books for teen/ya book club]

[Amber Carter]

I sent this message on the 6th but I can't find that it has been posted 
yet, and just wanted to make sure that it does. Maybe I am just 
overlooking it!

Thanks again!

Amber

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Choosing books for teen/ya book club
Date: 	Mon, 06 Oct 2008 19:05:04 -0500
From: 	Amber Carter <crlscarter at oltn.odl.state.ok.us>
Organization: 	Chickasaw Regional (Public) Library System
To: 	publib at webjunction.org



Hello!
This question is for anyone with experience running and planning a 
YA/Teen book club.  I ran a book club for a short time at another 
library but have just started in a new one as the youth services 
librarian which includes children and young adults. Although I know of 
course of several "best books" lists and reference sources my question 
is about choosing books with appropriate content for a teen (12 or 13-18 
year olds) book club. Although there are tons of hot and popular teen 
titles out, it seems that they too often contain material that may be 
deemed inappropriate or questionable for a certain age group. While I 
know it is not our job to censor, my previous manager's advice was to 
err on the side of caution. She said that while we may have some books 
in the YA section that may contain mature content that people could 
choose to read on their own, it was a different thing entirely to 
suggest/give a book to a teen as required reading for a book club that 
may contain what may be seen as objectionable material. So basically, I 
was just looking for some insight and other opinions in this area. Do 
you keep recommended titles at the PG level or choose based on "best 
books" and awards lists etc.?

Thanks!

Amber Carter
Youth Services Librarian
Chickasaw Regional (Public) Library System
Ardmore, OK


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