Every so often I end up with kids in my class who geek out on reading as much as I do. We talk books and swap recommendations. It’s always interesting to me what YA books kids like and which ones I like.
I’ve posted before about my reticence to recommend books with a lot of sex, drugs or booze in them, even if they’re really good. But occasionally it happens the other way; where a student recommends a book with a lot of smuttery. This is always an interesting moment. Really? You wanted your teacher to read this? And discuss it with you?
I just read Repossessed by A.M. Jenkins, which I LOVED. This was a student recommendation from a few years back. The student has since moved away, so I’m not worried that he’ll show up and want to discuss the story of the demon who overtakes a high school student’s body with the main objective of experiencing sex and masturbation. (Full disclosure; the book is about a lot more than that, but those are the smutty parts.) I guess I’ll take it as a compliment that a 13 year old boy thought I would like this book. He was right. It’s smart, and well written and a bit naughty. And apparently it appeals to middle school students and their teachers.
Ideas In Things 