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Absolutely Positively Alexander: The Complete Stories

(1997, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Judith Viorst, Illustrated by Ray Robin Preiss Cruz Glasser)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 4; suggested age 4.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Anyone who's ever had a bad day will love this.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 4 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Alexander tells his ex-best friend, "I hope you sit on a tack." Teasing and name-calling between the brothers.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Alexander gets into a fight with his brother and kicks him.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Absolutely Positively Alexander: The Complete Stories

Parents need to know that there are a few incidents of mild violence, but certainly nothing graphic: an angry Alexander kicks his brother in a fight and hopes his friend sits on a tack. Still, young children will get more than a few laughs from Alexander's humorous narration. The illustrations are black and white, bold, and descriptive.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about whether these stories, the oldest of which was written more than 30 years ago, have stood the test of time. Is Alexander a character you can relate to? Why or why not? Which of the stories is your favorite? Why?
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