Age for twilight

[Newuser82]

I'm just wondering what peoples opinions are on the best age for reading the twilight books? My son is 10 and is desperate to read them. I haven't read them so I'm not sure if they would be suitable. He is a very good and keen reader.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions!

Cirque du Freak is a great suggestion!

Yes the content isn’t that bad but I can’t imagine a 10 year old boy would be very interested in them. They’re not really about vampires, they’re romance novels about what is actually an abusive, co-dependant relationship and I say that as someone who loves Twilight 😂.

I don’t see the harm in letting him read the Twilight series if he is drawn to them. They are a great read and my daughter read them between 10-13. But Darren Shan is brilliant for boys his age.

Has he read any terry pratchet? He wrote a series for children (Tiffany aching) suitable for 10+ that links into his main disc world books - they would be suitable from around 12.

He hasn't read Terry pratchet actually so will give those a look too!

Terry Pratchett is great but whatever you do, don't start at the beginning of the series with Colour of Magic. It's not the best... He took a while to hit his stride. Start with the ones for younger readers, then when he's ready to move into the main Discworld books start with Guards, Guards! or Mort.

And if anyone has any suggestions of non scary vampire books that would be great too. It's hard finding books that appeal to him as he reads quite above his age. He absolutely loves Phillipa Gregory order of darkness series if that gives anyone any ideas.

Can I ask why the thoughts are that boys don't enjoy romance books? I have a son at uni who often watches schmaltz hallmark Christmas movies with me, also watched Gilmore Girls the summer after GCSEs with me. Both my teen sons have read Young Adult books that feature romantic relationships. They read a wide range of books.

I think reading books like Twilight that showcase unhealthy relationships actually opens up conversations for what is specifically unhealthy, the same when watching Friends and talking about Ross. If he really wants to read them I can't see why you wouldn't. I don't think the content is particularly gruesome. Lots of late primary aged children read dark books. I love Twilight but obviously know that both Jacob and Edward are arseholes. Still like reading it again.

It’s not the ‘romance’ part it’s the romanticism of an abusive relationship that’s the problem - and it’s also worrying how many people don’t see it and think it’s a cute relationship etc. It’s a tough subject to tackle with a 10 year old.

Mmmm...that’s tricky as vampire books tend to be scary! Has he read the Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix, starting with Sabriel? They’re very good- dark but not overwhelmingly scary. Featuring the undead rather than vampires. Or the Bone Season series by Samantha Shannon set in an alternative magical version of Oxford. NB I haven’t read this one for a while and can’t remember how suitable the content is.

I think if he is a voracious reader he will whizz through them and straight onto the next thing.

@pollyhemlock oh I meant other options, nit just vampire books 🙈 . Sorry, I didn't write that properly. I meant just interesting stories that a 10 year old who is a good reader may enjoy.

Has he read The Hobbit?

Yes he has! And the Lord of the rings. He does seem to like an adventure type story best.

www.thereaderteacher.com/year6 This guy has some great suggestions in his Year 6 selection which definitely includes some more challenging reads. Marcus Sedgwick is another great fantasy author to look out for.

About 160. Maybe a little older, but no younger.

😂. He has actually started reading it and is loving it!

Thanks so much! I'll show him these later today.

I wouldn't give it to a child of mine. But if you do, read it yourself first, and have a conversation with your child about abusive relationships.