Lisa
asked
Sarah Glenn Marsh:
Hi Sarah, I teach 7th grade students. I am looking at your novel for a potential literature circle novel this year. I am curious, before I purchase a copy to read--Publisher's Weekly rates it for ages 12 and up, but School Library Journal recommends it for grades 9 and up. Can you tell me if you believe your novel is indeed appropriate for 12-13 year olds, and can you explain the discrepancy? Thank you!
Sarah Glenn Marsh
Hi Lisa!
I apologize that I'm just now seeing this- I'm not often on Goodreads! I'm so honored that you're considering Fear the Drowning Deep for a literature circle in your classroom--I would indeed recommend it for ages 12 and up, and I'm really not sure why SLJ put a "grades 9 and up" label on it. A lot of my most enthusiastic readers for this book so far have been middle graders, actually; there are very few swear words and the romance does not go beyond kissing. Too, there's more suspense than actual scary moments or violence. I wouldn't have a problem recommending the book to 7th graders or even mature 6th grade readers!
And again, thanks so much for considering my book for your class; I hope you have a great rest of the school year!
I apologize that I'm just now seeing this- I'm not often on Goodreads! I'm so honored that you're considering Fear the Drowning Deep for a literature circle in your classroom--I would indeed recommend it for ages 12 and up, and I'm really not sure why SLJ put a "grades 9 and up" label on it. A lot of my most enthusiastic readers for this book so far have been middle graders, actually; there are very few swear words and the romance does not go beyond kissing. Too, there's more suspense than actual scary moments or violence. I wouldn't have a problem recommending the book to 7th graders or even mature 6th grade readers!
And again, thanks so much for considering my book for your class; I hope you have a great rest of the school year!
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