Required for Grades 6 – 8 St. Brigid of Kildare School

What? When? Where? A Young Adult Permission Slip (YA Permission Slip) gives, or does not give, a student permission to read books in the school library that are designated “YA”. This form is required of all students in grades 6 – 8. All incoming 6 th graders and new students in grades 7 and 8 are required to have a form signed by a parent. Forms need to be signed only once and are kept on file in the school library until the student graduates.

Sample

Why “YA”? Young adult literature is a product of modern times. It is literature that addresses common experiences and issues that concern children as they go through the teenage years. These are experiences that students are either having, or becoming aware of because of relationships surrounding them, or because of exposure to the media.

Common themes in YA literature Friendship and its problems Getting into trouble (serious and/or with the law) Interest in the opposite sex Money Divorce Single parents Remarriage of parents Problems with parents, grandparents, younger siblings Concern over grades/school Popularity Puberty Race Death Neighborhood Job/working Autumn Dawn Wells

Why a “YA” Form? The parent is the first and foremost teacher of his/her child. Each child matures at his/her own rate. It is up to the parent to signify that he/she feels the child is ready to read books that contain the common themes in YA literature.

8 th Grade Readers In the St. Brigid of Kildare Library/Media Center we have a section of books with a large “8” on the spine. These are designated as suitable for 8 th graders, and the group includes books that are reserved for our most mature readers. Our parents still reserve the right to allow his/her student to read these books under his/her guidance, or to not allow his/her student to read them.

Concerns, or questions? For further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Judy Ignasiak School librarian/Media Specialist (School)