ok for kids?

**feh** · July 21st, 2011

Hi folks.

My wife, son and I read Eyes of the Dragon together a couple years ago. My son
really enjoyed it. He'll be twelve soon, and I'm wondering at what point to introduce
him to Stephen King, on of my favorite authors.

I haven't read The Talisman in many years, so I don't remember details of the plot.
Are there elements that would be inappropriate for a 12 year old?

Thanks!

**JohnDalglish** · July 21st, 2011

Hi,

Welcome to the MB, and keep posting!

I had no quibbles about giving it to my children at a bit younger than that but it has to be an individual decision, as what one person considers 'questionable' differs from person to person so why don't you take the opportunity to re-read it yourself first, you'll love it!

In the meantime, The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon contains nothing even debateable and is recommended.

Long days and pleasant nights

**Spideyman** · July 21st, 2011

And what JohnD said. Highly recommend The Girl Who Love Tom Gordon. Was a fav of my granddaughters at that age.

**muskrat** · July 21st, 2011

If you can get a twelve year old to read ANY 800+ page book, count your blessings!

**bobledrew** · July 21st, 2011

Feh, I am not a parent, so take my advice with as much salt as you like.

Eyes of the Dragon -- DEFINITELY. I can't imagine what would keep someone from giving this to a 12 yo.

The Talisman -- there are some intense images in there. Jack's experiences are quite horrific, and there are some adult-level descriptions in the last section -- I seem to remember . That being said, if I thought my kid could handle the book, there's a lot of story there for him or her to enjoy.

**GNTLGNT** · July 21st, 2011

I would have no reservations about my boys reading it...it might be his generations version of "Tom Sawyer"...

**Lily Sawyer** · August 11th, 2011

Feh - I'm not a parent, either, but I'm sensitive to promoting something that may be age-inappropriate for younger readers.

I'm with John & Bob - The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon may be the best way to start your son out with a Stephen King oeuvre, or a read of the short story Jerusalem's Lot. It's the first story in the Night Shift collection and is a wonderful prelude to the more adult material of 'Salem's Lot, if he cares to continue at an older age. It's a period piece that doesn't have any bad language, sex, or torture of small children....it's just a good old-fashioned scare utilizing things that go bump (and hiss and slither and wail) in the night.

The Talisman is wonderful - it's my favorite King work - but as Bob pointed out, there are some scenes in it that are disturbing for a reader that young, not to mention language (if you're uncomfortable with that). I think waiting another two or three years might be the ticket, and then introduce him to it after he's had a few more years of maturing.

Has he read Bridge to Terabithia? That might get his appetite whetted for more of the fantastical side of King. I haven't read it, and only seen the film version - surprisingly good. And I know it was written with Young Adults as the intended readership.