Inebriated adults in Upper MG

How far is too far in middle grade?

I am currently writing a scene in my latest upper MG humorous historical fantasy that involves my MC trying to wake up the captain of the pirate ship he's on because the captain practically drank himself into a coma.

Now, I'm going to go ahead and write it anyway because it's my story and I think kids these days are way too sheltered, but I wanted to know the opinions of mothers, teachers, and readers in general.

How do you feel about reading a scene like this? I grew up with a drug addicted alcoholic father, and to me this sort of stuff really isn't a big deal. But like I said, this generation is so sensitive, it pains me.

Thoughts on the subject? Feel free to list subjects that may make you uncomfortable and examples in other books.

Mind you, I'm writing about real pirates, not the kind glamorized by Hollywood.

jvc said:

I'd say go for it. If the agent/publisher wants you to tone it down a little when you're down the line, then you can choose to or not. But I wouldn't worry about it now.

Click to expand...

I figured that much. I'm writing it anyway.

There are other things in this story that seem far more intense, but since you don't see a lot of this, I wondered.

There are also scenes of knives being pulled on my MC by another kid and general manhandling of my MC. Given that it does take place in a violent century, I didn't want to water it down. I never understood how such a vicious and violent profession like piracy became so bubblegum....

ETA: Billy Bones in Treasure Island practically drank himself to death, and that book was written a century ago. Books back then were more unforgiving than today. LOL

Thanks guys! My MC is very bright and street smart. His father is also a heavy drinker so he's used to that behavior from the men he's supposed to look up to. Seeing the captain blitzed out of his mind doesn't confuse him. In fact, he knows how to take charge in that situation.

The captain is a good person who broke bad, and is currently struggling with his own demons, but in the end, he redeems himself (somewhat), especially with my MC. So I thought it was important to show a moment of weakness for him, as well as a moment for my MC to take matters into his own hands.


Since I'm not a parent, I don't know how parents react. I'm surprised that so many are okay with this scenario, to be honest. I suppose that this scenario coupled with other violent scenarios might be too much. I might have to wait to get beta feedback to see how I smooth out the really sharp edges.

I'm glad that you guys feel this way. I don't find it a big deal either. I tried toning it down by implying inebriation without directly coming out and saying it. Seems more appropriate. Now what to do about the violence.....