Mature Content

900 300 Siobhan O'Brien Holmes
Home / Glossary terms / Mature Content

What is mature content?

Sometimes just called ‘content’, this refers to edgy elements and themes in a story that are deemed inappropriate for younger readers. Sex, swearing and graphic violence are usually out of bounds in middle grade fiction (but are acceptable in YA), and the gatekeepers of children’s literature – parents, teachers and librarians – may restrict books that break these conventions.

On Writer and the Wolf:

Can I include edgy content?

Around the web:

 

Siobhan O'Brien Holmes

Siobhan O'Brien Holmes is a developmental editor working with middle grade and YA authors. She specialises in speculative and genre fiction, particularly horror, fantasy, mystery, sci-fi and anything with a dash of magic or macabre. She is a member of the SfEP, EFA, ACES, British Fantasy Society, Horror Writers Association and SCBWI. She has an MA in Novel Writing and an MA in Children's Literature.

All stories by: Siobhan O'Brien Holmes