Don't ban a book that can help YOUR kids, give them as many resources they can.

They are your kids and they need your help.

They won't be able to put it down once they start and after they are done talk to them about being prepared and knowing the right thing to do. Knowledge!!! let kids and teens know there's help out there and if you don't want to talk to them about it or don't know how to start, ask them to read the book. I've unfortunately heard stories of teens losing the virginity just because they wanted too not protected, not knowing the consequences, and now she's living with her decision and has a baby. Knowledge is a lot stronger than people realize. She knew the consequences of her actions and did something about it to help prevent it and keep safe. Young teens are having sex and nothing is truly going to stop them so why not make sure they are being safe about it and know the true meaning of sex or 'making love.' Katherine did the right thing by going to Planned Parenthood and get birth control. Blume knows it and did an excellent job sharing it with the world. I mean when you are a senior in high school, you have sooo many things going on especially your feelings and hormones. it has soooo many good messages and it is so realistic which is the best part. This is book is AMAZING!!! yes little kids shouldn't read it just yet but when they are ready they should definitely read it. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to use this book to talk about their own values about sex, birth control, teen pregnancy, and more. Readers who are mature enough for the content will find a very realistic portrayal of first love - and a thoughtful protagonist who considers carefully before deciding to enter a sexual relationship. There's some drinking, and some characters smoke marijuana. She also deals with other adult issues: Michael's best friend tries to hang himself another character, who has had many sexual partners, gets pregnant and has a baby and Katherine's grandfather dies. Katherine has sex with her boyfriend, talks frankly about his penis, visits Planned Parenthood to get birth control pills, and discusses sex with her mother, grandmother, and best friend. It deals frankly and responsibly with tough questions. But it remains one of the best ways of discussing this very sensitive subject with your very sensitive teens. Parents need to know that this book is often challenged and even banned because of its depictions of teen sex.

Some characters smoke marijuana, and Katherine admits to trying it once.ĭid you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide. Michael gets drunk with Katherine's best friend.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater