I loved this book, but a definitely would say it is for older teens and not for tweens or young children.
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The Boy from the Basement
(2005, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Susan Shaw)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Gripping tale handles abuse with a delicate hand.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Boy from the Basement
Parents need to know that this story paints a fairly vivid portrait of a 12-year-old boy who has been imprisoned in a basement and abused by his own father for several years. The author deals delicately with a very dark and serious subject, but some sensitive children may find it too much to deal with; others will need some parental discussion.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the grim realities of child abuse and why victims of abuse often remain silent. Why is Charlie reluctant at first to see the error of his father's ways? How has being shut in the basement for so many years affected his perception of the outside world? Does hearing Charlie's story give you any new appreciation for things you might have been taking for granted?
Our Members Say
See all 13 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Very good book
I read it for summer reading. (I'm a freshman) and the kids in my school either loved it or hated it. I loved it.
- I rate this title on for age 16 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
My point of veiw(from a year old)
I really enjoyed this book. it was first given to me the second week of school and i'gve finished it that same week. Allthough the father in the story was very rude and IGNORANT his role was some what understandable. Thwe way he took Charlie and shook him, threw him against the wall, locked him in the basement, and thed way he abused his wife were very indescribable. Being punished for beind outside so called "for bad kids" wasn;t a good enough reason. If you were going to have a child why would you lock them up and not feed him or her. The mother wasn't very enthuisiastic either..... all of the beatens and bruises wasn't called for and she just stood there and took it. When charlie entered the hospital he was very terrified. He feared his father and the spider that always stood in the corner that has watched him since he was locked up in the basement. I thought the spider was his father but it wasn't. But when Mrs. H got there I felt a sigh of relife. This book makes me think.
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
it's very sadly
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Amazinggggg Book
I thought that this was a really good book and that kids my age should read it because it teaches to be happy with what and who we have instead of always being up set with what we dont have. And for the girl who said it was the worst book its probally because you are like one of those kids who wants everything to be there way and no one elses way! Good book though and i thing alot of kids should read it and learn from it.
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