My daughter was interested in this, as she loves all things Peter Pan. I read it in an afternoon (older readers will have no problem with it) and as an adult, I thoroughly enjoyed it. However, for younger kids, it is a bit violent. If your kids can tell the difference between fantasy and reality, are not prone to nightmares, and enjoy a good adventure story, they will probably love this one. If they get scared easily, I'd avoid it for a bit... poisonous spiders, sword fights, and a guillotine can leave one a bit frightened. More mature younger readers will also be fine with it, less mature older readers will need to be left to the parents judgment.
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Capt. Hook : The Adventures of a Notorious Youth
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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 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Exciting but violent -- not for sensitive kids.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11–14
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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What Parents Need to Know
About Capt. Hook : The Adventures of a Notorious Youth
Parents need to know that this about the making of a classic literary villain, so he behaves badly all the time -- but because he's the hero, and meant to be sympathetic, his behavior becomes appealing. The brutality can be disturbing: human carcasses on a plague ship, whipping and beating, poisonous spider bites, swordplay and fighting, a brutal game with lots of injuries, mistreated and tormented slaves, a sailor killed with a hook. This also isn't for reluctant readers: Overflowing with British, specifically Etonian, slang, Latin names, and old-fashioned heroic repartee, it will be heavy going for some, who may need help to decipher it.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about perspective. Captain Hook is traditionally a villain, but he's the hero here. What makes a "good" guy good and a "bad" guy bad? Does James come across as sympathetic here, or are his actions only justified in his own mind? How would you retell the story from a different point of view?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
A good read for older kids
I rate this title on for age 9 and give itI love this story - its a classic!
It is a bit violent but there are some great lessons for older children.
- I rate this title off for age 13 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
The best!!!!
This just might be my favorite book ever- a must read. Definitely.
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it
Jolly Roger, this was great!
This was a book I loved. It kicked off right away with James going to Eton, and challenging a 'big boy'. This may raise a few red alerts. There is much sword fighting, some whipping, and talk of violence. Then James falls in love with a princess. This raises no concern. There are a few kisses, but nothing extreme. A few concerns would be the violence and the social behavior. I loved this book, but if forced to would rate it ages 10 and up. This was a wonderful book, which I think you'll enjoy it if you read it.
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