I Can Read... Optimus Prime?

[elfs]

Okay, so let me get this straight. The Transformers is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America. In theory, this means that parents with children under the age of 13 are "strongly advised" not to take their kids to see this film.

So why, oh why, is there an "I Can Read" Level 2 (Reading With Help: "For readers who are increasingly confident but still need some help") book entitled Meet The Autobots with a big banner on it, Based on the hit movie?

Or am I just spoiled with two girls for whom the Level 2 books were most appropriate somewhere around, oh, five years of age?

Comments

[dossy.livejournal.com]

I think this speaks volumes about how illiterate many kids are.

My kids (7 and 4) are very advanced readers, too. I just wish my 7-year-old wouldn't read all that Junie B. Jones crap--guh! The main character is such an awful brat and speaks English like it's her second language or something.

But, I guess, this is the sacrifice I'm willing to make in order to cultivate that love of reading in our kids. Of course, she also loves to read Greek mythology--more from a "research" perspective, i.e., she feels that it's important that she knows how to kill a Gorgon, like Medusa, or a hydra, should she ever encounter one. This is the kind of thing she enjoys reading at bedtime.

I'm in trouble.

[(Anonymous)]

No, not spoiled - the suggested ages for the book are 4 to 8.

[elfs.livejournal.com]

My point is that a movie recommended for kids "13 or older" has chosen to create a marketing vehicle aimed at kids 4 to 8.

I think there's something wrong with that.

[bellebonnesage.livejournal.com]

I agree. There was the same problem with Spiderman tie-ins. Grrr.

[rarkrarkrark.livejournal.com]

I saw my first R rated film (video, really) while babysitting a four year old. His parents enthusiastically endorsed the viewing. *My* parents had a cow when I got home (I was 13)

I think a lot of parents really don't care. And I think the marketers know that.

[grum]

Right, the suggested ages are from 4 to 8, but what are the actual reading levels of the average 8-13 year old?

I know there were kids in my high school classes who were reading at below the 3rd grade level. One of the many reasons I'm in favor of tracked education. I agree that within a grade level or two there is something to said for teaching the advanced kids tolerance and giving some of the others an idea where they could be with more work (or something). However, when the difference in reading level is more than 5 grade levels, I start to see it as frustrating to all involved. Including the teachers.

[redhipple.livejournal.com]

I would assume or at the very least, hope, that they've edited all the content from the book that made the movie PG-13 in the first place. Namely the curse words and sexual innuendo.

[(Anonymous)]

I put this down to the pathetic attempt to wring as much money out of something as possible by marketing people who don't understand the license they're working with.

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

You're spoiled. We hang around people who's kids are pretty smart cookies and who soak up their parents' love of reading.

I'm not sure my nephew even knows his ABC's yet. Reading is not a priority in my brother's household.

Level 2 is generally pre-teen though (11-12 or so), so it is slightly disturbing the other way as well.

[lisakit.livejournal.com]

Er, my age guestimate is according to my experience in running the Books for Kids literacy program at my (long ago) former big employer.