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Q. I teach 6-8th graders at a boarding school for troubled boys. I buy many books and loan them to the student body, ages 12 - 18.

My question is this: I'm very excited about the Maximum Ride books but I'm wondering if buying your adult paperbacks at a used bookstore is safe? The boys love them, but that doesn't mean I can provide them. Will I risk negative feedback that your books are inappropriate–language-wise, graphically? The boys here beg for your books.

What say you? Can I safely buy and not worry about flack?

...Lori C.

A. Dear Lori,

It's always great to hear about teachers who spread the joy of reading. And about their student's positive responses, whether it's to my books or someone else's. It's so important that kids have positive first impressions of reading.

I've been stewing on this lately. And I'll be launching a program that deals with just that issue in the coming year. I'm very excited about it. Stay tuned for more information.

I would keep the boys aimed at the Maximum Ride books (the fourth one is out mid-March) and also the coming Daniel X series. My other books were written with adult audiences in mind.

All my best,
JP

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