Age Appropriateness of Discworld Question

I have not yet read any of the Discworld books, though I am aware of the premise and have heard several friends discussing them. My question pertains to whether they are appropriate reading for a twelve year old boy. I think that if they are it would be a wonderful series. I realize that there is social commentary that would probably be above his head, but of the books in general I would like an opinion from the experts. Thanking in advance, Pat

yes - I would not class any as unsuitable for a twelve year old, but some make better starting places than others. What other books does he like?

At aged twelve a reader would miss out on most, if not all, of the quotes, misquotes and downright take-offs of various cultures which make the discworld series such a joy to read.

However the books are entirely suitable - no sex and very little violence but best left until the child is a bit older.

I think that the 'witch' series is probably the easiest to begin with, followed by the 'DEATH' series.

However, Pratchett has written some Teen books. The Tiffany Aching books would be a good entré for a twelve-year-old.

As above - they're likely to miss all the subtle humour and social commentry. But I'd expect them to still enjoy them for the plots and characters themselves. Probably the best time to enjoy colour of magic and light fantastic because they don't have the depth the later works achieve. I think wee free men and later are just as deep as some of his other works, and not particularly child orientated. There is no offensive content in any of them.

I started reading them when I was 11, if that's any help. Yes, many of the social/cultural references went over my head, but the books are still enjoyable and a good read for that age group. I've been back and read them all again later and got more out of them, but you don't need to be particularly knowledgeable to read and enjoy Discworld.

When I was that age, reading my stone tablets, I both enjoyed and resented books when I could tell I wasn't getting all of the jokes, allusions etc. I still dislike authors who use Latin quotes with no translations, but streching his mind is no bad thing for a 12 year old. It might reduce the teenage belief that adults don't know anything.

With Prachett, I am sure even at three or fourth reading I am not getting everything.

I started reading them when I was twelve. I didn't understand many of the allusions but I still enjoyed them for the characters and plot.

I started them when I was about twelve, he might not get the social commentary, but they are still wonderfully funny and entertaining.

Thank you all for your input. I will certainly recommend the series to his mother. He has been reading another fantasy series, but I am not sure which one, which is what got us into the discussion of Discworld to begin with.

I started reading Pratchett when I was 12, and I loved them! If you want to be safe let him read the Bromiliad Trilogy. :)

The handy thing with the Discworld books is there are annotations for things to find. Both in the books and in the APF (Annotated Pratchett File).