children and books

[darkoshi]

Buying books for my nieces and nephew (correction: *grand* nieces and *grand* nephew), I'm never quite sure what is age-appropriate for them. Is this book too advanced? Is it not advanced enough?

Is it ok to give a just-turned-9-year old a graphic novelization of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" (I bought it since she said she likes Star Wars*, which just tickles me pink because I've always been a Star Wars fan (though not so much any more really)), when the movie was rated PG-13, and the very beginning of the novel (like the movie) has Kylo Ren and stormtroopers massacring a village full of people? I just don't know.

*It came up in reference to a baby Yoda doll and a Millenium Falcon LED lamp, which are quite different things than books...

Update:
This page suggests checking the Amazon page for a book as it may display a suggested age range and grade level.
For the book in question, the Amazon page states "Reading age: 9 years and up".

Comments

[conuly]

1. There is no such thing as a book being "not advanced enough" for a child who wants to read it.

2. If she likes Star Wars then probably any novelization of the movies is appropriate.

[darkoshi]

I agree on #1. I'm more concerned the child will either think the book is way below their reading level and a bad gift, or way above their reading level and be turned off by that. If they *want* to read it, it's a win regardless.
On #2, I did decide to give it to her.