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Bless the Beasts and Children

(1970, Fiction - Friendship, Written by Glendon Swarthout)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Classic novel of teenage rebellion.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Main characters run away from camp, steal cars, drink whisky, shoot out tires, smoke cigars, and illegally free the buffalo. Other characters cruelly mistreat them. Describes a Jewish comedian and his son in stereotypical fashion, but maintains sympathy with the son.

  • Violence:

    Graphic, disturbing description of shooting buffalo.

  • Sex:

    Skinnydipping.

  • Language:

    Mild to moderate swearing of all types.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bless the Beasts and Children

Parents need to know that superb writing about rebellious acts gains favor with many young readers, but others find it too slow-moving and literary for their tastes. The boys, the only characters with real compassion, misbehave so badly they come full circle to do good.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about misfits. How are misfits treated in the camp? Are they treated similarly in the outside world? Have you ever felt like a misfit? Why? What did you do in that situation?
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