DD15 still reading dork diaries

[philomenacunky]

My dd turned 15 in feb. Shes a perfectly normal 15 year old and doesn't enjoy childish things. The other day though I saw her reading a Dork diaries book, is this normal for her age? If you're not aware these are books aimed at much younger children. I know she is capable of reading much more mature books than this, she reads things like Of Mice and Men, Macbeth, Christmas carol etc for school.

I haven't told her off for this I'm just very confused, why is she reading these books at her age? Aibu for thinking it's weird?

My son is nearly 14 but still loves Diary of a wimpy kid or a Tom Gates - he does read other books too but loves going back to these. Also loves a Beano annual at Christmas, I’m just happy he is reading!

Reporting back now I've read Dork diaries book 6. I do agree with the op that it's rather simple and superficial book and definitely for a much younger reader than 15 but agree with PPs that there is nothing wrong with re-reading childhood favourites or new children's books in itself. I would prefer something a little more classic such as Laura Ingles Wilder, Worst Witch, Harry Potter or Anne of Green Gables.

Anne of Green Gables is lovely, I just wonder if it still appeals to kids/girls these days in the same way. The series that was done by Netflix did so many updates I wonder if LMM writing is something that would still be interesting to young readers.

I haven’t told her off for this. What a weird thing to say! Why would you tell her off anyway. She can read younger books if she finds comfort in them.

Wouldn't worry about it. Lots of avid readers will still comfort-read books from their younger years.
My older sister, who is in her early 40s, has been known to read the occasional Babysitters Club book, which are aimed at, what? 11 year olds?
My dad was still re-reading Famous Five and Secret Seven when he was in his 60s!

I reread all the Pullein-Thompson sister stories, too. I mean, they were horrendously dated when I first read them but as a horse-mad child in a horse-man family, we devoured them. Pony Club Cup, being a personal favourite. Might track it down on WoB.

A girl I went to uni with used to read point horror and we're both English lit grads from a red brick uni. Stop being the book police.

I read books from the author Jacqueline Wilson up until I was around that age. I’m now 26 and rereading young adult books such as Harry Potter and divergent. I see nothing wrong with holding onto a bit of your childhood.

I re-read so many easy books and childhood faves when I finished my Lit degree. I couldn't bear to read anything earnest for about the next 18 months! The nicest bit about then training to teach primary was reading all the books and revisiting some favourites. I've also had a job as an adult where I was paid to review books written for children. I still re-read the odd favourite now.

I have no doubt that your daughter was reading for some escapism. Please don't ruin it for her. One of the things I am most thankful for when I look back at my childhood is the almost complete lack of judgement or censorship of my reading material. My mum didn't roll her eyes when I asked for the last Georgia Nicholson for Christmas at 19 . She knew I'd grown up with them and wanted to finish the series! You also seem to know a lot about the Dork Diaries for someone who seems to consider them beneath contempt... almost like you've read them. The same thing you've heartlessly judged your Dd for.