I've noticed a lot of question about what kids can "handle" when they read.
But think about all the video games today, think about the fact that most kids where I live saw their first 15 rated film when they were about 10.
I would highly recommend having a look at the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore. It's got violence, sex, language, drugs, prostitution etc and 11 year olds read it, and do you know why? Becuase the characters in it are that age, and deal with those kinds of issues. These things are a reality, not just in fantasy book worlds, but in estates and schools all over.
But think about all the video games today, think about the fact that most kids where I live saw their first 15 rated film when they were about 10.
I would highly recommend having a look at the Cherub series by Robert Muchamore. It's got violence, sex, language, drugs, prostitution etc and 11 year olds read it, and do you know why? Becuase the characters in it are that age, and deal with those kinds of issues. These things are a reality, not just in fantasy book worlds, but in estates and schools all over.