Thursday, November 20, 2008

I've been bitten by the Twilight bug

The buzz in the school is palpable as everyone prepares to stay up tonight to watch Twilight, the movie made from the blockbuster book by Stephenie Meyer. Like many others, when the books came out, I didn't get any other work done, dishes sat in the sink, beds didn't get made because I had to find out what happened next to Bella and Edward and my favorite, Jacob. I know, I know, your favorite is Edward. Oh well.

I'm sure we'll see a lot of sleepy eyed kids at school tomorrow who hit the midnight show. I know I'm excited. I can't wait to see the movie and talk it over with my avid Twilight fans.

Parents have asked me about Twilight and whether it's appropriate for middle schoolers. I tell them to read the books and share the excitement with them. How often can a book engage your child and you can get into the book as well? TwilightMoms, a website dedicated to Twilight talks about their opinion on the books and the phenomenon. Here's what they said (and I agree):
  1. It's NOT a scary vampire tale with Satanic references.

    In fact, the author is a Mormon and she provides a non-traditional take on vampires. "The Cullens are vampires who choose to abstain from feeding on humans, value human life and protect it, and do not possess the typical vampire traits," says InnamorataDiTwilight. Juliek22 adds, "The characters are not evil, and the bad guys are not dark enough to cause nightmares."

  2. There is no sex, drugs, or graphic violence, only some mild sensuality.

    Compared to other works targeted at kids in the tween-teen range, most consider Twilight to be quite mild. Comments ranged from "I think this is one of the cleanest series out there for young adults," by Katieb to "The violence in the series is far less graphic than the anything contained in the last three Harry Potter books," by Julie&Jasper. However, BeautifulDisaster cautions, "The books contain more mature themes as the book series progresses; the first book is suitable for a younger audience, while the last is, in my opinion, best read with a bit more life experience."

  3. Twilight isn't just a chick thing.

    Along with appealing to a wide variety of ages, it crosses the gender barrier. "Plenty of guys are interested, including several of my male 7th grade students," says BeautifulDisaster. And Suelibevg describes the appeal this way, "Boys like the vampire aspect and the cars!! Girls like the romance."

  4. Actions, choices, and their consequences are the series' primary themes.

    Says AZmomx2, "The thing that I think was my favorite is the idea of choices...that you can shape your future by the choices you make. As an adult, I know this. As a teenager, I often felt like I was on this 'ride of life' and had no control over things." And following on that, Raeniece says, "Even when a wrong has been righted or amends made, that doesn't mean the consequences from those previous choices can be avoided. They have to be dealt with."

  5. Beware the "Twilight Zone."

    That's the phrase self-professed "Twilighters" have used to describe the obsession that leads them to re-read the books, spends hours each day on the dozens of fansites that have sprung up, and turn their rooms into Twilight boutiques. Lion<3lamb>

  6. The series is an easy sell to "non-readers."

    As with the Harry Potter books, the Twilight saga appeals to kids who are resistant to reading. "Even my youngest daughter (12 yrs) who absolutely hates reading, gave in and started Twilight, says Mio Crepuscolo. "She would disappear for hours at a time to read." HELIKESBRUNETTES agrees and warns, "This book will really engage them, probably like nothing they've ever read before, so make sure they do their homework BEFORE reading daily, or it will probably never get done!"

  7. Twilight promotes additional reading.

    The series is peppered with references to works of literature. "Twilight will have your children wanting to read works referenced within (Pride & Prejudice, Wuthering Heights, Romeo & Juliet, The Merchant of Venice)," says IsabellaCullen. And the movie's Bella and Edward even pose for an American Library Association poster.

  8. There are far worse idols for your child to glom onto.

    "Bella does her homework AND cooks!" jokes Centaur1201. Chocoholic agrees, "The main character is a 'good girl.' She cares about people, she is obedient, does her homework, is kind to her friends, does not drink, smoke, or party, and is home by curfew. She is responsible and conscientious. What more could we ask for?"

  9. Ultimately, the decision depends on your child.

    The movie has a PG-13 rating. The book advises 12 and up. Some of the TwilightMOMS have read the book to kids as young as five; other say they wouldn't let kids read it until at least seventh grade. All recommend basing the decision on the age and maturity of your child. "Some children are less mature than others to handle different issues," says TheMacPack5. "There are kids out there that simply would not 'get it' just yet. And by all means, wait until they are ready. But once they are, they will LOVE The Twilight Saga!!"

  10. Allow yourself to be "bitten" by Twilight.

    As fans of the series, it's not too surprising that these moms would recommend them to adults. But their encouragement goes beyond that. Says Green Mountain Mom, "Read the books yourself! Chances are you will enjoy them, and certainly you'll have the opportunity for conversation on topics ranging from funny moments to intense emotional conflict." Bookbabe agrees, "Talk about the books you read together. This is an excellent way to discuss the values you want your child to take with them into adulthood."

Can't wait to talk with you about Twilight!

No comments: