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A review by rebeshelton
Tilt by Ellen Hopkins
3.0
This book left me with mixed feelings. First off, it's important to note that Lexington School District 2's decision to ban this book for lacking educational elements seems a bit misguided. Are teens not allowed to read for fun anymore? While the book may not fit the traditional mold of educational material, it does offer valuable opportunities for teenagers to explore empathy and different life experiences.
I'm increasingly tired of books like "Tilt" being targeted for removal from libraries. One of the strengths of "Tilt" is its ability to promote empathy in teens by delving into the lives of its characters, each dealing with unique challenges and circumstances. It's a powerful tool for helping young readers understand and relate to people with different experiences, and in this aspect, the book excels.
However, there's a significant drawback to "Tilt" that cannot be ignored. The book is overly fixated on sexual elements, at times bordering on explicit. It includes a scene of sexual assault that is deeply troubling. What's particularly concerning is that the book fails to delve into the gravity of this issue or properly address how wrong it is. This omission is a significant flaw, especially for a book targeted at teenagers.
That said, as a parent who believes in actively engaging with their children on important topics, I wouldn't necessarily have an issue with my kids reading this book. In fact, I might encourage it so that we could have an open and honest conversation about the various themes presented, including sex and sexual assault. "Tilt" could serve as a catalyst for discussions that allow parents to guide their children's understanding of these complex and sensitive issues.
Ultimately, this book might be best suited for parents who are willing to actively engage in discussions with their children about its content, and therein lies the problem. People would rather get rid of hard things instead of confronting and teaching them head-on.
I'm increasingly tired of books like "Tilt" being targeted for removal from libraries. One of the strengths of "Tilt" is its ability to promote empathy in teens by delving into the lives of its characters, each dealing with unique challenges and circumstances. It's a powerful tool for helping young readers understand and relate to people with different experiences, and in this aspect, the book excels.
However, there's a significant drawback to "Tilt" that cannot be ignored. The book is overly fixated on sexual elements, at times bordering on explicit. It includes a scene of sexual assault that is deeply troubling. What's particularly concerning is that the book fails to delve into the gravity of this issue or properly address how wrong it is. This omission is a significant flaw, especially for a book targeted at teenagers.
That said, as a parent who believes in actively engaging with their children on important topics, I wouldn't necessarily have an issue with my kids reading this book. In fact, I might encourage it so that we could have an open and honest conversation about the various themes presented, including sex and sexual assault. "Tilt" could serve as a catalyst for discussions that allow parents to guide their children's understanding of these complex and sensitive issues.
Ultimately, this book might be best suited for parents who are willing to actively engage in discussions with their children about its content, and therein lies the problem. People would rather get rid of hard things instead of confronting and teaching them head-on.