Just wanting to rant a little. My oldest son is in 5th grade. Not sure how other schools do it, but the children are tested and set a reading level. They are required to read books within their levels and test on those books. They set their base level either at their grade or below depending on their ability and then go to a high level according to their ability. His is 5.6 (which means they expect him to read like the average child 6 months into 5th grade) to a top level of 12.8 (yes, 8 months in to 12th grade). This is no shock, he is a fantastic reader and never reads "children's" books and grew out of the "teen" level books a couple of years ago. So really, he reads as an adult and has a comparable comprehension. All good, one might think. Well, the library doesn't seem to think so. First he tried to check out A tale of Two Cities. She finally let him but he had to fight for his right to. She said he was too young and wouldn't be able to read it (even though she has access to his reading level). Good boy, he refused to back down and won the battle, checked out the book, and returned it, read, in a week. Now he wants to check out books in the series' by his favorite author Stephanie Meyer. She says they are too mature and will not let him. He couldn't win this one. So, I have written a note telling her he is allowed to read them and if he can't check them out I will simply purchase them. I just feel confused. Why would a school have books in their library they won't allow a child to read? If they think books on this level are too mature why are they willing to admit he reads at the level of a high school senior? Sorry, this had no point at all except to vent some frustration at our public school system!!


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