When my son was in the first grade, he was already an avid reader.  He was zooming through the Magic Tree House series, and the A to Z Mysteries, and loving every minute of it.   Because he was an early reader, we were very aware that there were books he could read, that perhaps he shouldn’t, yet.

Around that time, one of our local bookstores refused to carry the Harry Potter series on the grounds that wizardly is evil.  I hadn’t read a single one, and knew magic was involved, but I didn’t know much else. I did know that before long my little boy would be asking about those books.  I also knew this was a judgment my husband and I would have to make for ourselves, as I certainly wasn’t going to ban a book for my child based on someone else’s review.  So I hit the library and checked out the one that started it all, The Sorcerer’s Stone. 

Not only did I flip through those pages as fast as I could, I found the story quite endearing.  Contrary to what I’d heard, I saw good triumph over evil, children making tough, but wise, choices, and strength of character rarely explored in newer children’s literature.  I was in.  Both of my older boys now own the complete set.  Alas, we went the more inexpensive route and purchased them in paperback, not knowing that these treasures would be read and re-read a million times.  Most of the books are now broken half or thirds, and it’s still not unusual to find one of the boys perusing a tattered, partial copy.  It’s high time to invest in the hardcovers, I know.  Perhaps for Christmas…

Although there are plenty of witches and wizards in Harry Potter, there are no vampires.  But the hot new Stephenie Meyer series aimed at tweens and teens has one front and center.  If you’ve somehow missed this news (where are you living?), the series begins with the book Twilight.  The story centers on a 17-year old girl, Bella who falls madly in love with the amazingly beautiful Edward Cullens.  Naturally, he’s a vampire.  Naturally.

Does the whole vampire thing bother me?  A little, perhaps a bit more than a little, if I’m honest with myself.  But what bothers me more is the sensuality, the underpinning of desire that’s the bedrock of Bella and Edward’s relationship.  No, they don’t have sex.  (At least not yet, anyway.)  But they sure do want to.  And for grown-ups who enjoy this kind of book, I say knock yourselves out.  Read away.  But for 12- and 13- and 14-year olds who are just on the cusp of discovering attraction for the opposite sex, I think this series has the potential to glamorize what is essential hormones and lust.

The Center for Youth/Parent Undertanding posted a link to this thoughtful and prescient article, by Jonathan McKee and David R. Smith.  In it, the authors made several points that bear repeating:

• “…our chief concern gravitated more toward Bella’s emotional vulnerability and the graphic sensuality described in the romantic scenes between she and Edward.”

•  “Today’s young girls will most definitely identify with Bella’s concern for self image and consistent need for validation. In the books Bella is portrayed as very plain. Most girls can relate to this. Seven in ten girls feel they do not measure up in some way, including their looks and in relationships.”

Although I’m not raising girls, I’m raising the boys that three of them will marry.  I’m extremely cognizant of the message about girls portrayed in books and movies and these arguments give me reason for pause.  However, I like the conclusion these authors draw even more.  Rather than reviewing the book and suggesting parents stick their heads in the sand, or draw the proverbial line, they have a better idea:  if you feel like your kids can handle it, and they’re interested, see the movie with them.  Or, if the book is what your kids are after, and you approve it, read it too.  Knowledge has long been a powerful tool, and being able to discuss the heavier parts of the story with your child give you an opportunity you might otherwise miss.

So approve away if you like, just do it with your eyes wide open, not in the dark.