I believe that it is hard to nail down an exact age or age range when an individual is considered a tween. Both Naked Reading and Serving Young Teens and ’Tweens have given a range of ten to fourteen. I agree that this is a reasonable age range, but I believe that it is very hard to limit it. Individuals develop and mature at many different rates. Lesesne agrees and states that children begin puberty at different stages so there is no definite timeline or age when the process begins (2006, p.11). Some girls may start menstruating at ten while others may be late bloomers and not start until sixteen. Others may physically mature, but emotionally and mentally still be interested in younger type materials. I think that is why it is important to get to know the individual rather than making assumptions based on their looks or age, prior to recommending a book. In a perfect world this would be the best solution but due to time constraints it is not always possible. If I had to put an age range on the tween group I would probably extend the range given by the two text books and include eight to fourteen years old. This wider age range would allow for those that started developing both a little earlier and a little later. Using this larger more inclusive age range in developing a library collection would be helpful because it would allow the collection to include a wide range of materials appropriate for a diverse group.
Lesesne, T, S. (2006) Naked reading: Uncovering What Tweens Need to Become Lifelong Readers. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.
I always think 8 is a bit young, but there is plenty of evidence we need to take that age into consideration as well (or some 8 year olds).
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