Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My ten-year-old daughter came home with this book from her school library. At first glance, the book looks innocent enough. On closer inspection, we became outraged. Although many people suggest and have reviewed it as appropriate for as young as nine, we believe it is better suited to older girls - at least the age of the character (12). Consider (references and language from the book itself): - a young girl subjected to years of teasing, who didn't "get the guy" - discussions about kissing - "kinda sorta having boyfriends" - "guys" and a game of Spin the Bottle - a pair of girls pulling down another girl's skirt so that she suffers public "humiliation" The descriptions and vocabulary are taken directly from the book. Although there are many parents who would not find this material offensive, we believe that just because this type of subject matter is available on TV does not make it right. Someone somewhere has to make a stand and deliver wholesome materials to our children, with positive role modeling and examples of appropriate social behavior, and good judgment. When discussed with the school principal, he pointed out that the book was published by Scholastic, as though that makes it right. I pointed out that Scholastic is in the business of selling books; might not the perspective be skewed? Decide for yourself. -- FOOTNOTE: I've been told that I should hold my opinions for my "church newsletter" and that another poster will tell everyone to "ignore" my opinion, while still others state that "bullying happens." For my part, I've never been of the opinion that just because something is, we are powerless to change a situation. Simply accepting the status quo does not address the fact that so many of our young children are either victims of suicide or experiencing teenage pregnancy. Although my opinion is counter that of so many, it doesn't minimize it. I suggested people decide for themselves, yet others seem more concerned about suppressing my opinion. I affirm that this book is best read with a parent, not found as a child's selection from a public school library without proper context and explanation.