Why Jaqueline Wilson (& pieces of media like it) are important to kids/ teens (A Rant)
One of the discussions that I have seen a lot on this sub (& in pop culture in general) is what topics are too dark / inappropriate for kids. And I feel like most topics can be discussed with kids & teens, as long as it is done in an appropriate manor, factoring in age, what the topic is and how the writers discuss it.
JW books are apart of it, with them being criticized for being too dark. The problem is with this criticism is that it often ignores that many kids go through these topics. Sadly, many kids experience loss of relatives, divorce, cancer, abuse ect and that is something that forms a key part of many Jacqueline Wilson books. Even if the child isn't going through it themselves, their peers, friends, teachers and other people in their lives go through these and it is important to be aware of these topics.
Another important aspect is that fiction allows us to discuss topics that are difficult to talk about. For example, age gaps in romantic relationships. If a young person is taught about grooming and problematic relationships, they could potentially save their or someone elses' life. While it is hopefully not in every teens life, many teenage girls and boys end up in relationships with creeps and educating them on the warning signs helps them protect themselves from potential abuse, rape and murder, in the case of abusive ones.
A personal example for me is Treasure's mother in Secrets. While I did not experience abuse like Treasure, it made me think about romantic partners and how you should always choose your child over them, especially when they are abusing them. Even though I was around 10 when I was reading it, it made me realize that.
Anyway that was all I had to say. If I think of anything I will edit it.