My 10 1/2 year old daughter has expressed an interest in reading the Twilight books and seeing the movie. This would be a great Christmas gift, but I need to know if they're age appropriate for her. She just finished a book (that I read first) that was similar, and contained just very mild romance and I was ok with that, but I don't want to expose her to too much sexual inuendoes.
Has anyone read them? What do you think? What about the movie?
My daughter will be 14 on 12/27. She is on the last of the books already and is online reading what Stephanie Meyer is doing next. My kid is one of those who had a ticket as soon as possible for the midnight premiere and LOVED it. I can't say much for productivity at school the next day....other than a lot of girls in a rotten mood due to no sleep. I plan to see the movie ASAP.
Of course, the age group of middle school+ is pretty much the age group into the book series. It depends on the maturity of your daughter and what you "ok" for her to read.
Personally, I do not have an issue with it. My daughter is in honors classes and never has been so interested in a book or book series. She is glued to the books and reading like she never has before so I see a benefit for her reading. I am reading the books as she finishes them...and they are very interesting. It is hard to put the book down when you are into it. She told me last week, "I can't believe you are just starting the 2nd book in the series when I am on the last". HA HA I told her I would have plenty of time to read the series if she took care of my chores and errands around the house and let me sit back and read!!!!
If anything, this series has made a positive impact on my daughter with her higher interest of reading. I am finished with the first book "Twilight" and there was nothing there that I was uncomfortable with my daughter reading.
HOWEVER, we do have a very open minded, open commnunications line at our home where nothing is off limits to talk about.
If nothing else, go read the book yourself first and I guarantee....you will want to see the movie!!! It is a great series.
Happy Holidays!
Haven't seen the movie yet, but in the book, the main character often begs for sex but he won't give it to her in fear that he'll (the vampire) hurt her. In the 3rd or 4th book they finally do it brutally and savagely; she gets pregnant, people are killed, blood is shed, etc. I would not let my daughter read it at 10 years old. I think the intended audience is high school girls.
Here is a link to what some others have to say about it: http://www.amazon.com/tag/childrens%20books/forum?_encoding=UTF8&cdForum=Fx3UEX786T6D5QM&cdThread=TxSOTK9O6Z4VQE
I am 28 and have read it. There is a lot of talk about sex in it and a lot more in the 4th book. I would say okay for a 14-15 yr old. It is aimed for HS girls. That is why I read it. My 15 yr old cousin told me to. Keep them young! I am with Heather B.
Yeah, it may be a bit too mature for her. I suggest that you read it first & judge for yourself.
You have to know your dd maturity level. My 12 year old just read the series and she can't wait until I take her to the movie - it was less about sex than the extreme sensuality of the books. I read each book first and had a open dialoque with her the whole time she was reading them. I hesitated to let her read books 3 and 4 - it is certainly a coming of age tale - and while there is sexual content, I did not think it was graphic until they actually have sex in book 3- but again it is very sensual - and provocative. 10 would be a little young for some of the content. I think these were targeted to High School aged girls.
There are good messages to communicate - waiting for sex until marriage. Honesty, integrity, following your heart vs following your head. Making right choices for yourself, young love can be all consuming - finding yourself and being content without a boy (not saying Bella figured some of these out)
We did talk a lot about secrets in relationships - having a boyfriend that you have to lie to your parents about etc. and this was a good way to open the lines of communication.
Saying all that, my 9 year old niece saw it with her mom???
I don't think I'd let my 10-11 yr old daughter read it. I agree it is more for high school aged kids. I think you should read the books and decide for yourself.
It really depends on the kid. I let my 11 yo read the first 3 books in the series, but have held off on the fourth because I felt it was a little too adult. The books are very chaste for the most part, only kissing occasionally and the vaguest hints at any thing more. What I found a little worrisome was the main character's absolute dependence on her relationship with Edward. However none of my friends who have read the book agree with that worry. So again, depends on your kid. My daughter is pretty mature and does read at a college level. However, I have friends who's children weren't readers at all before reading the book, and now are really getting into reading even beyond the books. Also, read the book first, I think the movie is more enjoyable that way.
No way would I let my young daughter read these books. And I loved them. They are filled with sensual longing and sexual overtones. They make you long for the two to have sex even when they aren't. They are also full of deceiving the poor parent who doesn't know what is going on and is kept in the dark because he couldn't possibly understand. Lots of sneaking the vampire in the bedroom window at night and sleeping intwined in the bed wishing for more then making out. It is an amazingly sensual read. I highly recommend you taking the time to read the books before you let your daughter read them.
VickiS
Well, being a 21-year-old who's read them...I would say she's almost 11 years old (and we're assuming she's had the sex talk) she SHOULD be fine. There are sexual innuendos, but that might make it easier for you to talk about things like that together as I'm sure she'll have questions. Anyway, in the first three books there is no sex at all, so I think they'd be safe. shrugs
Hi Jennifer,
I read the series and I loved it...that being said, I don't think I would let my 10 1/2 year old read it. Very sensual and lots of innuendo. Also, they spend a lot of time sneaking around and hiding their relationship from her father, sneak him in at night to spend the night, that kind of thing. I suggest you read it before you make a decision.
Have a great weekend,
Amy
Jennifer, the book is appropriate for a preteen. The series is amazing. I teach English; it took me 2 days to finish the 600 page follow up to "Twilight", "New Moon". Anyway, this is one of those stories good for "all ages", literally. There is a lot of chemistry between the characters, but it isn't consemated-- nothing more than an occasional kiss-- until book 4. My oldest daughter is 8, and I can't wait until she shows interest in reading a book of this length.
Oh-- you will LOVE it too!!
In response to those who said "no", 11 year olds are having these feelings whether we want them to are not. That is exactly when a confusing rush of changing hormones overwhelms us. Books are a fantastic outlet for those feelings. Also, it is a great teaching tool for parents about relationships and the difference between "real" ones and "fairytale" ones. Yes, Edward does sneak into her window at night (he is a vampire, we must keep in mind), but they never do anything inappropriate when he is there-- which is a great lesson in and of itself. They are satisfied just to be NEAR one another. Remember your preteen/teenage years... WOW! If only I had this book to fall into back then!!
It also, as some said, depends on your kid and how mature she is for her age. I was quite mature at that age; some girls have already hit puberty, but some kids are still "babies" at 11. However, if she's asking to read it, then something in her must be sparking some desire to understand the intensity of relationships. If not now, then soon, tell her.
That being said, I don't think that most books are inappropriate... books should be read. They are our escape-- and if a kid shows interest in a book, no matter what it is, they should be encouraged to read it. Read with them, discuss it... make it a bonding experience! Never deny anyone the power of a great story.
I have not seen nor read the Twilight series personally but I highly recommend the website Common Sense Media (www.commonsensemedia.org) - they have GREAT, in-depth reviews on all things from tv shows to movies to games - you should definitely check them out!
No this book is not appropriate for a 10 1/2 year old. I haven't been on for awhile and have just returned. My daughter and I both have read this series and saw the movie. I would not let a 10 1/2 year old read these books. There are too many adult themes going on. The characters in the book are HS age. My advice is take a cue from the characters in the book. Would you let your daughter hang out with HS age crowd? So if you would not do that, then that answers your question right there. Younger kids want to be "in the know" and on top of things and they hear a lot of talk about the series and the movies etc... But we should use caution when letting them participate in things that are too old for them. Children are open to everything and anything and very curiousit is up to us to guide them and these are situations that they should not have to deal with for some years. Do not let your desire to have someone to share with let it cloud your judgement. It is fun to have something in commong with our daughters and children but better for you to come down to their level than to ask them to come up to yours. There is a lot of age appropriate litature out there. Check out Madeline L'Engle series of books which are just as good today as when my daughter was in grade school some years ago.
You should look at the maturity level of your 10 year old and decide. I am half way through the book now and took my daughter to see the movie. She wants to read it after I am done. I haven't come across anything that I feel is sexual. My sister-n-law has read them all and agrees they are are safe for pre-teens.
I don't think there is a right or wrong...it's just what you are comfortable with.
I read the first Twilight book trying to answer this same questions for a friend of mine. I have a 12 year old son, so luckily, he is not interested in these books. He would have absolutely understood the sexual innuendos at the age of ten. There are many underlying sexual inferences that many people do not feel are appropriate for their children. The most disturbing theme in the book for me, was the forbidden love being so romanticized. The main character hides her relationship from her father, sneaks out, lies about where she is going and the boyfriend spends the night in her room every night. The sneaking and lying was as disturbing or more disturbing to me than the sexual implications. That being said, only you can decide what is appropriate for your child. Read the book, it took me a long afternoon, and decide if that is a way you want your daughter to behave in a few years.
The Twilight book series is targeted towards young adults. I consider young adult to be with the 11-16 age group.
I read all four parts and saw the movie. There is nothing inappropriate until part 4 once they have graduated high school. The movie is only based on part 1.
The fact that there is a high school girl who falls in love with a vampire is honestly no different than the little mermaid falling in love with the human prince. Twilight is a cute book. Part 4 is the one that depends on the maturity level of your daughter. There is sex involved in part 4, but they were married first and the content is not graphic.
Someone mentioned that you shouldnt let your daughter read or watch something with kids who are older than her...I don't neccessarily agree with that. My cousins are 8 and 9 and watch Saved By The Bell reruns. And what about the ever popular Hannah Montana??? Isnt she in high school? And High School Musical?? The Babysitter club book series? Nancy Drew?? Hilary Duff in Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen?
Also, reading a book does not mean it will make your daughter act like the characters in the book once she reads it. That is ridiculous. Yes, the main character in Twilight lied to her father, but once he found out, she was in big trouble.
The book is NOT all about a high school girl who lies and sneaks around. And you have to understand the relationship between the father and the daughter. They hadn't seen in each other in years and she was raised by her mother.
There are many positive subjects in the book: family bonds,loyal friendships, good vs evil, abstinence,etc.
Read the books yourself and then decide. It won't take you long.
It's relative to each individual.
Are her friends reading the books?
The movie is rated PG-13 but not because of sexual innuendo. It is b/c the movie is supposed to be a "thriller".
Summit Entertainment is currently making part 2 into the movie.
My dgtrs are 14 and (almost) 10, my older dgtr read twilight at the end of 6th grade, so she was 12 at the time. She LOVED the book and even asked for them for her 13th bday. I read the books after she wanted them as a gift to see what the excitement was all about. They are really good books, well written, good character development (good vs. evil, personal sacrifice for someone you love..that kind of thing). I will admit though, I would not allow my 10 year old to read them, yet. The emotions are very deep and Edward and Bella's love is very intense. They obviously have to keep a certain physical boundary, it is definitely expressed that both characters wish they could explore more passionately. There is no foul language and the violence is more insinuated than actually described. Let her wait until she is a little older, she will have something to look forward to. BTW, the movie is rated PG13, so there is another hint to what age the books and movie were created to entertain.
Good Luck!
My daughter and I read the series together, because I had heard that the books had some questionable content.
My dd is 12, and she is a very mature 12, and I had no problem with her reading all 4 books. Yes, the 4th book does have sexual content, it is not gratituous (sp) or explicit, and in that paticular book it is pivitol to the plot. Like the other poster mentioned, I appreciated that the characters were married before the sex scene. There is some teasing in the 4th book also about wether the 2 main characters are or are not having sex as well.
I assume at this age you have had the "talk" with her, and not just the basic details, but that sex is reserved for marriage, that you have sex because you LOVE someone, and that yoru sexuality is a gift, and the more people you give it to, the less special it is. I am comfortable enough in my daughters self-esteem, vision for her future, and self image that I allowed her to read the 4th book after I made sure I was comfortable with the level of sex in the book.
I admit, I have to laugh a little about the parents who mentioned how Bella set bad examples, of course she did - it's a book!! Personally, I do not worry that my daughter is going to read the book and decide she wants to have a relationship and sneak around behind my back.
I don't worry that she will watch Suite Life of Zack and Cody and decide to pull hairbrained schemes, or watch Phineas and Ferb and decide to make things in the backyard behind my back, or read Diary of a Wimpy Kid and want to tp someones house, or read Felicity an American Girl and decide to steal a horse, or read How to eat Fried worms and decide to eat a worm, or watch Hannah Montana and decide to manipulate people into getting what she wants.
In fact, I'd rather she read all those things in books and live vicariously through her books. I read all kinds of books, mystery, vampire novels, horror, sci-fi, drama, romance, suspense -- it doesn't incline me to cheat on my husband, try to find a far off world, murder someone, etc, etc, etc.
Now, of course, that all being said, I encourage you to read the 4th book for yourself to judge wether you think it is appropriate for your daughter based on what you know about her. You know her better than anyone else! And you may find that you really enjoy the series. I really enjoyed being able to read the series with my daughter adn have discussions with her about it. We both went to see the movie and rather enjoyed it, there are a few "killing" scenes in it, none of which are graphic, but that will be up to you on wether or not you feel that is appropriate for your daughter. We are movie buffs in this house, all my kids (ages 12, 9, 6, and 4) have watched movies like The Lord of the Rings, etc and not been bothered by the graphic killing scenes because we have always shown them the "makign of" so they see it is not real and they love to comment on the special effects - so none of my children would perceive the scenes in Twilight as scary b/c they know it's just a movie - but you will have to judge wether or not your daughter has that kind of comfort level.
I thought the series was beautiful. I thought Bella and Edward had an amazing giving love for each other, I thought the deep rooted friendships were wonderful, I loved the closeness of the Cullen Famiy and loved how all the characters were ready to make a sacrifice for each other. Sure the characters run away and rebel, but there are a lot of positives in the book as well, and there is a very strong sense of family values and family bonds. You also read a lot about some of the characters struggles with humanity and it resonates very well with even the most basic of us.
I would say it depends on your daughter. Is she very mature for an almost 11 year old? Have you had discussions with her about sex and responsibility/trust? The youngest person I know who has read these books is my niece who was 12 when she read the first one. If you're unsure, try reading the book with her or read the book first and mark spots where you want her to come see you before she reads any further so that you can talk about what she just read. The movie is tame as far as the sexual themes, with exception of one kissing scene, which is not much different from kissing scenes that she may have already seen in other movies. The movie is much more intense/suspenseful than the book because you are introduced to the evil vampires early in the movie... much earlier than in the book and with much more "death" than in the book. (You never actually read about the vampires killing humans in the book, but you do see them "kill" two people in the movie - no visible blood)
Have any of her friends read the books or seen the movie? If so, she already knows what happens and by not letting her read it/watch it, you're probably making things worse because at her age, you want something more if you're not allowed it. If she's not going to read it at home, she might just borrow it from a friend or read it at a friend's house.