Protecting Their Innocence: Modifying Mature Content for Young Readers

Protecting Their Innocence: Modifying Mature Content for Young Readers

Amy Hall, Amethyst Harbor, Inc.

To what extent should kids be shielded from difficult subject matter? Major publishers frequently print young readers’ versions of nonfiction books dealing with mature themes. It’s a balancing act to share this information in a way that captures the essence of the original material in an age-appropriate way. Using examples from my own experiences indexing books dealing with the #MeToo movement, two violent episodes in world history, and forensic science investigations, I evaluate the best ways to handle sensitive material. Today’s young readers may be more sophisticated than ever, but they don’t necessarily need to be exposed to graphic descriptions of events or vulgar language to gain an understanding of contemporary issues. By using simpler, nonspecific phrases, the author’s words can be studied in a less traumatic way.

Amy Hall is a professional book indexer with specialties in the areas of cookbooks, communications, criminal justice, and wellness issues. She holds a BS degree in Advertising from San Jose State University and a Certificate in Basic Indexing from the USDA. Amy has been a member of the American Society for Indexing since 2006 and was elected to ASI’s Board of Directors in 2022.