One of my fourth grade book clubs is reading it and there was a concern raised. A particular girl didn't feel comfortable with the book because of the "swearing" (one character takes the Lord's name in vain a half-dozen times). I think this raises an interesting dilemma. At what point do we let kids be exposed to things they might not be comfortable with? In the real world people take the Lord's name in vain without a second thought. And in this case it fits the character. So , what say you on the matter? Is the exposure appropriate for a fourth grader?
Note: As for the content of the book, it's a good one. The main character is forced to deal with the sadness he's been suppressing after his mother dies. It's a story of finding friends, fitting in, and how life isn't always perfect or fair. I think it's good to use books like this to teach kids that life isn't always perfect (which they often already know) and give them something that is mostly realistic to deal with.
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