YOUR views on age ratings for books

Book bosses are planning to put age guidance levels on books.

It will mean you can pick up a new paperback and see immediately what age it's meant for.

But lots of top authors are against this.

They're worried that doing this will put kids off reading as they'll be afraid to try books that are meant for older kids and scared of being teased

if they want to read books for a younger age group.

So what do you think of the idea?

Will it help you chose new books or do you think it will just cause confusion?

Unfortunately this topic is now closed but there are Comments pages on other subjects on the main Chat index.

Your comments

"I think it's an awful idea because older children might be embarrassed about reading books for a younger age!"

Hannah, 13, Northumberland, England

"I don't think they should put age guidance on books. People would stop reading their favourite books because they're too young to read them."

Bjorn, 11, Leeds, England

"In my opinion this is a very bad idea because kids like reading books for all ages. It's not going to stop them reading them, so what's the point?"

Sophie, 10, Leicester, England

"I've just started my GCSE English and my teacher is always telling me to read a wide range of books to improve my vocabulary. Putting an age on books will only stop kids improving their language skills!"

Michael, 14, Sheffield, England

"I think this is a very silly idea. Kids want freedom to choose and not be bossed around."

Oliver, 10, Derbyshire, England

"This is a brilliant idea and the rating is a guide, not the law! I have picked up a book once, and when I started to read it, it wasn't suitable! I would have been very grateful to an age rating then, like they do on the back of DVD cases. And you abide by those rules don't you? Books are no different!!"

Rachel, 13, Portsmouth, England

"I don't like the idea because I like to give myself a challenge when I'm reading and younger children will learn new words by reading older books."

Emily, 11, County Durham, England

"I read at least 75 pages per night and if I couldn't read any book I liked I would be bored and upset."

Isobel, 9, London, England

"Kids should be able to read anything they feel they can understand and enjoy. I think it will make kids avoid books even more."

Robert, 13, St. Albans, England

"If they're just recommended age limits then it's good, but if it means that you're not allowed to buy/borrow books from the library, then I think it's an awful idea."

Rebekah, 11, Isle of Wight

"I think personally this is just a stupid idea because if you have a higher reading age than you age group you have to read books that are too easy for you."

Poppy, 11, Leeds, England

"I don't think it is a very good idea because it might stop kids from reading things they like."

Megan, 9, Hertford, England

"I read a lot of Manga books and some of them have ratings but they are only guides like A for all ages, Y for Youth (like children) T for teen and M for mature (adult books). I think that if publishers did this it would be OK as they are only a rough guide and anyone can read them."

Jimmy, 14, Dorset, England

"I think it's a bad idea, as people should be allowed to read any books they like and if they don't I think it's going to stop loads of young people reading!"

Carla, 12, Newcastle, England

"It's a bad idea because some younger kids might be really good at reading for their age and not be able to be scared to try harder books."

Rosie, 12, Thornbury, England

"It is a bad idea as lots of people like to read books, and if they have an age rating some people might read younger books than them and might get teased."

Kate, 14, Norwich, UK

"I think it is a bad idea because I like reading different books for all ages and I think you should be allowed to read what you want."

Ashleigh, 11, St. Helens, England

"I don't think that putting age guides on books is a good idea because many children enjoy adult books, however people should be aware of books that contain offensive language, etc."

Amy, 15, London, UK

"I think it's an awful idea as kids will be restricted to one age group instead of any book they want to read!"

Emily, 12, London, England

"I think it's a bad idea to put age guidance levels on books. I fear that parents will cling on to the GUIDANCE like a rule. Kids should be able to read the books they want."

Esther, 15, Groningen, Nederland

"I think it is a silly idea because if other children can't read the age group they are in, then they may get teased. However, if you are very clever, you may get a little bored of the books you are reading."

Charlie, 10, Leicester, England

"There shouldn't be labels because it will cause problems for children who want to read books not on their age level."

Year 5, London, England

"I think this is a bad idea since children only read books that say their age and might miss out wonderful books."

Grace, 10, London, England

"I think it's a stupid idea because kids like to read books that are more challenging."

Alice, 10, Cheltenham, England

"I think it's stupid because children like reading books that are too old for them especially if they've seen the film."

Jack, 10, Tewksbury, England

"I think the authors are right because I love reading books but if a book said 9+ on it, i wouldn't be as keen to read it."

Beth, 13, Liverpool, England

"I don't like the idea, some children prefer books for slightly older readers."

Estella, 10, Thatcham, England

"I think it is silly you should be allowed to read lots of different books because it helps you at school and in life to come."

Tayla, 8, Manchester, England

"Books shouldn't have age ranks. You don't watch them, they're just for reading."

Katie, 12, Glasgow, Scotland

"I think it's a bad idea, because I read adult books like Lord of The Rings and Disc World novels by Terry Pratchett, because they are usually more interesting than kids books (with a few exceptions like Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Mortal Engines, Artemis Fowl). Putting age limits on books may limit kids' choices and limit their reading. "

Calum, 10, Stonehaven, Scotland

"I don't like the idea because I love reading all ages of books so I learn more authors. "

Reece, 12, Mansfield, England

"It's wrong to have age ratings for books, after all these years why change it?"

Kayleigh, 10, Middleton, England

"I don't think they should put age restrictions on books because what if you are an advanced reader? It wouldn't be fair."

Olivia, 13, Devon, England

"I don't think that books should be banded because the children under the age limit of the band would miss out on the authors that are being talked about daily."

Rory, 10, Yorkshire, England

"I think that it's a bit of a horrible rule as all children like to read at their own level and I think that by buying an age rated book they'll be afraid of what others will think."

Tom, 13, Barnet, England

"Of course not! What a terrible idea."

Jack, 14, St Albans, England

"I agree with authors, people may be frightened that they would be teased if they read books for older children and people may be scared from reading books for younger children. Some books are meant for all ages, which may confuse people. "

Hannah, 10, London, England