If you’re a fan of books, chances are you’ve heard of Colleen Hoover. Her novels are taking up prime space on bookshelves everywhere and have blown up on platforms like #BookTok. One of her most famous works, It Ends With Us, has even been adapted into a movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Many parents are now wondering: Should teens be reading Colleen Hoovers books?
In This Article:
- When Can Teens Start Reading Colleen Hoover?
- Why Her Books Might Not Be Right for Younger Audiences
- Suggested Age Groups for Colleen Hoover’s Books
- Alternatives Your Teen Can Read
Since Hoover’s books are so popular among younger readers, many parents are asking: Should teens be reading Colleen Hoovers books? If your child is eager to add one of her novels to their “To Be Read” pile, here’s what you need to consider about the appropriate age for her books. Understanding whether should teens be reading Colleen Hoover’s books is crucial for making informed choices about their reading material.
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When Can Teens Start Reading Colleen Hoover?
While many people enjoy Colleen Hoover’s storytelling, her books generally aren’t recommended for kids under 14. This leads to a common question among parents: Should teens be reading Colleen Hoovers books? This is largely because her stories often delve into mature topics such as domestic violence, substance abuse, trauma, and other sensitive subjects.
In fact, some of her works fall under the “new adult” category, which is typically aimed at readers between 18 and 25. Understanding the content of her novels is crucial in answering the question, should teens be reading Colleen Hoovers books? Hoover’s novels are often framed as epic love stories, but they also tackle some heavy topics like domestic abuse and addiction. A few of her books even veer into the psychological thriller genre.
Why Her Books Might Not Be Right for Younger Audiences
You may think it’s a good idea for your children to read about serious topics since these issues can be a part of life. While that’s true, it’s often better if these conversations are initiated by parents, says Emily Edlynn, PhD, a clinical psychologist who specializes in pediatric health psychology. This brings up the question: Should teens be reading Colleen Hoover’s books?
It’s also important to note that in many “new adult” books like Hoover’s, mature themes—such as domestic or sexual violence—are sometimes portrayed in a romanticized way. This can give teens a distorted view of relationships and may normalize unhealthy behaviors.
“When it comes to topics like sexual violence, exposure to healthy relationships and sexual dynamics is essential in shaping a teen’s identity and behaviors,” Dr. Edlynn emphasizes. So, it’s important to ensure that your teen is reading stories that highlight positive, constructive relationship dynamics.
Your child is more likely to develop a nuanced understanding of difficult topics, such as violence and abuse, through direct discussions with you, rather than through a dramatic piece of fiction. In light of this, parents should carefully consider whether should teens be reading Colleen Hoover’s books based on the content and themes presented.
Suggested Age Groups for Colleen Hoover’s Books
Hoover’s novels are generally not recommended for readers under 14. Fortunately, she lists age recommendations on her website to guide parents who are considering her books for their children. Here’s a breakdown:
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For Teens 14 and Older:
These books deal with topics like friendship, loss, mental health, and romance.
- Slammed
- Point of Retreat
- This Girl
- Never Never
- Without Merit
- Regretting You
- Heart Bones
For Teens 17 and Older:
These novels touch on more complex subjects such as addiction, emotionally abusive relationships, domestic violence, suicide, sexual violence, and trauma.
- Hopeless
- Losing Hope
- Finding Cinderella
- All Your Perfects
- Finding Perfect
- Maybe Someday
- Maybe Not
- Maybe Now
- Ugly Love
- November 9
- Confess
- It Ends With Us
- It Starts With Us
- Layla
- Reminders of Him
For Readers 18 and Older:
Hoover categorizes these books as “very mature/dark romance” on her website. These stories include depictions of child abuse, drug use, graphic murder scenes, explicit sexual content, and sexual assault.
- Verity
- Too Late
Alternatives Your Teen Can Read Instead
Encouraging a teen to read is always a great thing, as research consistently shows the many benefits of reading. It can help improve memory, enhance intelligence, boost empathy, reduce stress, and more.
If you’re looking for age-appropriate options to keep your teen reading, here are a few suggestions:
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Age 12+): This classic, narrated from a child’s perspective, tackles themes of racial inequality and moral integrity.
The Princess Diaries by Meg Cabot (Age 12+): A fun series about a teenager who finds out she’s royalty.
Dear Martin by Nic Stone (Age 14+): A timely story dealing with police brutality, racial stereotypes, and discrimination.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (Age 14+): The struggles of a Native American teenager navigating life on his reservation and at a predominantly white school.
The Giver by Lois Lowry (Age 11+): A dystopian novel that encourages readers to challenge authority and discover their true identity.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (Age 10+): A classic coming-of-age novel about the March sisters.
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (Age 13+): A charming introduction to romance novels, about a teen whose secret love letters are mailed out.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (Age 13+): A mystical series about a girl and a group of boys searching for a long-lost Welsh king.
Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli (Age 14+): A heartwarming coming-out story about a gay teen being blackmailed.
The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Age 13+): This book dives into the world of racism and police brutality, inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement.
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken (Age 14+): A thrilling series where teens with supernatural powers must evade capture.
If you’re unsure whether a book is appropriate for your teen, take some time to review it yourself. Focus on how certain themes are portrayed. “If the material doesn’t glamorize or sensationalize unhealthy behaviors, use it as a learning tool,” Dr. Edlynn suggests. Fiction can be a great way to explore tough issues within the safety of a fictional world.
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