Jacqueline Wilson - Secrets and Illustrated Mum

[Loopyloooooo]

Has anyone who's read Secrets or Illustrated Mum know if they are suitable for an 11 year old?

I think they might be a bit more grown up than other Wilson books?

I read both books probably around 11, maybe slightly older or younger and they were fine for me. The main characters are about 11 in both books which seems to imply that that’s around the target age group, as 14 year olds tend to not want to read about 11 years olds. Both books deal with serious issues (abuse, bipolar, care system) but they are issues dealt with by children nationwide and it’s told through a child’s lens.

I find with books that (unlike a visual medium) if the content is too mature, generally children just don’t get it. I was never banned from reading books and I often wanted to read books for older teens but I’d usually end up bored and not able to engage with the book properly. I would often read the same books a few years later and think ‘oh THAT’S what it meant!’

Thanks , that's helpful :)

Yes I think they are fine.
I am a massive Jacky fan so have read bucket loads.
Ones to maybe wait a couple of years to read are Love Lessons, Kiss, The 'Girls In' series and Maybe Baby.
Everything else is fine for 11 year olds.

Brilliant, thank you 👍👍

I think that's fine.

My 9 year old has read them and was absolutely fine with the content but she is quite old headed and is reading year 6/age 11 level books in school.

I think it depends on the individual child and how they will cope with certain things, whether they will understand/appreciate the story.

Brilliant books which your daughter will love. 11 year olds are just starting to become aware of the more complex issues in life and JW teaches them in an age appropriate yet non-patronising way. Illustrated Mum deals with severe MH issues in a parent and the resulting chaos at home.

Can also recommend Lola Rose and Love Lessons.

I loooooved Illustrated Mum when I was 11. Plus Vicky Angel, Double Act and Dustbin Baby.

Vicky Angel! 💔 that put me through the ringer emotionally. Part of me wants to reread them now! Hopefully they won’t feel so old to DD that she won’t want to read them.

I read The Illustrated Mum at 10 and it's been one of my favourite books ever since. Secrets is fine for that age too.