[Hitch]

Originally Posted by Rbneader

And I have to say - I think you're doing him a disservice by focusing on male protagonists. Most children at that age don't have a problem separating 'main character in a book' and 'my self', and sometimes a difference makes things even more interesting. What else do we read fantasy for then to explore other worlds and perspectives?

Thanks for the suggestions. I believe what I said was, I presumed that he preferred male leads, but didn't know that factually. I've sent him WIT and The Dark is Rising sets; I"ll send him whatever catches my eye next. I'm not married to all-male protags. I would have cheerfully sent him the Golden Compass books, but again, that's a religious issue I don't want to get into yet. And the Harper Hall books (Pern) definitely have a female lead.

I definitely don't think the Discworld or Shannara series are appropriate for 11 year olds. The one Shannara book I tried had rape in it. Discworld will mostly go over his head. Also, even the YA Discworld books push Wiccan religion pretty hard. His parents might not want to have that discussion yet. My family also didn't think the Pern books were OK for tweens - some are, but many aren't because of sexual content - so YMMV on how much his parents like that one. Might be good to wait a few years?

Well, I read LOTR at that age, so to me, Shannara is pretty much an easier read of similar material. I don't recall *any* rape in any Shannara book, and I think I read...5 of them, perhaps? I can't speak to Discworld, vis-a-vis ever noting what religion was pushed, but again, if it's even a possible issue now, I'll veer away.

I don't think that the Pern books are fine for tweens, and I believe I said that. The lack of sexual consent issue is too much, IMHO, for an 11-y.o. I do think that the Harper Hall trilogy, by AM, is. I will be sending him that, too, as soon as I've sucked him in with the first two sets that should be arriving shortly.

Thanks!
Hitch