Would you let your 7th grader read this book?

[binny]

http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Zone-Terrifying-True-Story/dp/0385479565


This is the "Hot Zone" it is very graphic. his teacher assigned this for science, we have the option for DS to not read it though and do an alternate assignment.

I have been going through reviews and honestly I am just on the fence. I know that several of his classmates are reading this but I do know that some parents have opted out as well.


Would you let your 13 year read old such a graphic book?

 

[DisneyWorldOct08]

I read it as a 27 year old adult and it gave me nightmares. There is no way I would think this would be okay for a child to read.

 

[kbkids]

No way - but I've already had one argument with my 4th grader's teacher this year about an assigned reading, so I'm probably not the one to ask!

 

[DVCLiz]

I loved this book because I am fascinated with the Ebola virus. I don't know why it would be considered too graphic - is it the description of how the disease affects the human body??? Because otherwise I think it's a fascinating look at a real scientific detective story and an amazing and interesting story.

The movie "Outbreak" with Dustin Hoffman deals with the same subject matter and it's great, too.

I wouldn't have any problem with my DD14 reading it this year if she wanted to - my older daughter read it in high school and did a big biology research paper on emerging viruses in Africa.

We are big fans of the Ebola virus at my house...

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I think I would read the book first and then decide. I more than likely would let my child read it. It seems like it is about the science of a disease. I don't have an issue with that.

 

[JennyMominRI]

I will pretty much let my kids read anything

 

[Acklander]

I would leave it up to my child - if he wanted to read it, great - If he didn't want to read it, then no. By the age of 13 I figure they have a pretty good grasp on what they can and can't handle for reading material.

 

[KariC]

I like the suggestion for you to read it first, or read it with him (like your own little book club. You can discuss anything objectional then). I've read it, I found it fascinating, and can't think of any issues with it.

 

[NHdisneylover]

I will pretty much let my kids read anything

Agreed (and DD11 does). I do not censor what they read at all. I do try to read more mature items that I see DD reading to make it easier to discuss them with her. I have generally found the kids will stop reading something if they find it is too much for them to handle--and if not I think it is okay for them to learn about things and be exposed to all types of ideas and scenarios (even those I disagree with) and we can have a discussion (or two or three . . .)

 

[beckmrk04]

I think I would read the book first and then decide. I more than likely would let my child read it. It seems like it is about the science of a disease. I don't have an issue with that.

I agree with this approach- that way if you decide to let him read it, you can discuss it.

I would think a 7th grade boy would find this disgusting and fascinating!

I don't really believe in censoring books though (it would have to be really, really bad). My parents NEVER interjected when I wanted to read something, and I read a lot of books geared towards adults when I was quite young.

 

[HSMndLKfan92]

I read this over the summer for school. (14, incoming freshman) I wouldn't have been able to handle it when I was 12. Then again, the book confronts one of my major fears.

 

[TriMom]

I loved this book because I am fascinated with the Ebola virus. I don't know why it would be considered too graphic - is it the description of how the disease affects the human body??? Because otherwise I think it's a fascinating look at a real scientific detective story and an amazing and interesting story.

The movie "Outbreak" with Dustin Hoffman deals with the same subject matter and it's great, too.

I wouldn't have any problem with my DD14 reading it this year if she wanted to - my older daughter read it in high school and did a big biology research paper on emerging viruses in Africa.

We are big fans of the Ebola virus at my house...

Ooohhhhh!!! Another Ebola fan!! And I thought I was the only one who was truly fascinated with outbreaks. I love me some made for TV movies about outbreaks..... my DH thinks I'm a freak.

To actually answer your question, it has been several years since I read it, but there is nothing that is standing out in my mind of being inappropriate. I know that they do describe the physical symptoms of Ebola, and it is not pleasant at all. But, if I remember correctly, it was more factual, and not a Steven King gory horror sort of way.

Did the book freak me out? A little - it's scary to think that there was an actual Ebola outbreak near DC, but it was also comforting to realize the the government containment plan worked, and that we have actually been through a fire drill of sorts.

I actually recommend that you read it too, it really is a fascinating book.

 

[DVCLiz]

Ooohhhhh!!! Another Ebola fan!! And I thought I was the only one who was truly fascinated with outbreaks. I love me some made for TV movies about outbreaks..... my DH thinks I'm a freak.

To actually answer your question, it has been several years since I read it, but there is nothing that is standing out in my mind of being inappropriate. I know that they do describe the physical symptoms of Ebola, and it is not pleasant at all. But, if I remember correctly, it was more factual, and not a Steven King gory horror sort of way.

Did the book freak me out? A little - it's scary to think that there was an actual Ebola outbreak near DC, but it was also comforting to realize the the government containment plan worked, and that we have actually been through a fire drill of sorts.

I actually recommend that you read it too, it really is a fascinating book.

LOVE Ebola and love reading about new outbreaks - not that I wish it on anyone but if it has happened I want to be reading about it. The Hot Zone was an amazing book and I'd personally be delighted if my children were interested in reading it because then we could talk obsessively about it.

 

[NMAmy]

We are big fans of the Ebola virus at my house...

Well, there's a tag just waiting to happen.

I would have let dd read it at that age. I'm another one who let my child read whatever interested her. I also recommend reading it yourself before making a decision. Or read it at the same time as your son and then you could discuss it with him.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I'm into Ebola stuff, too. It is one of the downright scariest viruses there are!

I've read The Hot Zone long ago so my memory of specific passages is fuzzy, but I'd let a kid read it if the kid wants to. It is graphic, but it's graphic in a scientific way, KWIM? It is a true story, and a kid who is into science or wants to be a doctor might be fascinated by the book. (Or it might scare the kid into another profession--who knows?) Anyway, I'd let a kid read it.

 

[Tantor]

Yes I would

 

[EcoInteractive]

In this case I think I would allow it. I don't see a harm.

 

[golfgal]

I will pretty much let my kids read anything

Same here. DD wanted to read "A Child Called It" this year. I have read those books and they are pretty disturbing. I told her that and if she found them too hard to read just stop reading them. She read all of the books in the series. I think it made her appreciate her parents a heck of a lot more too.

 

[froglady]

I glanced through the critical reviews, and they all agreed that the book is poorly written, with not enough "true" science.

Otherwise, I wouldn't have a problem with my children reading it. Of course, I read "The American Way of Death" at the same age as the OP's child.

 

[dejr_8]

I loved this book because I am fascinated with the Ebola virus.

Care to explain?????

I see nothing wrong with this book for a 7th grader.