The Catcher in the Rye

Is this book appropriate for high school seniors or juniors?

I would say so, yes, but there are those who have objected. When it came out in the 1950s, many parents thought the language and attitude were inappropriate, and set bad examples for teen readers.

I would argue it is appropriate for two reasons. First, it articulates the sense of the world that so many teens have trouble expressing. It helps them put things into words. Second, the literary quality. Students so close to adulthood should be exposed to good and challenging works.

The catcher and the rye have more implications within them than just simply nonchalant and irregular behavior. I've read this book during my high school years and my whole class loved the book simply because we can relate to it. We can relate to the ambiguity that life brings with every decision we have to make and the uncertainty of the future. It's a great book and if taught correctly would for sure change some kids life in a good way.