As a rising tenth grader, I dove into the High School Battle of the Books list, eager to engage in the world of literature. It was a personal journey filled with anticipation, yet what I found inside a number of books was disturbingly inappropriate. After reading 5-7 books from the list, I discovered sexually explicit content that was both unnecessary and unfit for my age. Instances ranged from graphic sexual imagery, degrading and violent scenes to discussions of underage drinking.

I find myself worried for my fellow students who might be unwittingly exposed to similar content. This content does not only pose a threat to the mental health of growing children but also exposes them prematurely to themes too extreme for their age. The American Psychological Association states that media exposure to violent and explicit sexual content can potentially harm children, leading to anxiety, depression, and even aggressive behavior (APA, 2017).

Middle and High School Battle of the Books (MBoB and HBoB) hold the responsibility of selecting literature that is educational, imaginative and most importantly, suitable for the age of the students they serve. I am urging them to reevaluate their selection process, ensuring that the books contain appropriate material for preteens and teenagers.

Join me in demanding a healthier and safer literature environment for our students. It is time MBoB and HBoB took definitive action to keep inappropriate content off their reading lists. Please, sign this petition and show your support for age-appropriate materials in our schools.