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Clementine

(2006, Fiction - Friendship, Written by Sara Pennypacker, Illustrated by Marla Frazee)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Move over, Ramona -- here comes Clementine.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Kind, loving parents (who also get frustrated) are there for Clementine as she learns more about her world. Clementine has a lot of indepedence to explore her community that many kids today don't have.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence :

    Not an issue.
  • Sex :

    Clementine spies on janitor and lunch lady embracing.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Clementine

Parents need to know that the main character, Clementine, is a precocious third-grader who frequently gets into mischief, though with the good intention to solve problems. In one week she "fixes" her friend's hair by cutting it all off, helps out the principal by answering her phone, and pays attention in class by watching the janitor embrace the lunch lady. A wide age range will enjoy this book and enjoy reading it aloud, from the emergent kindergartner reader up to third graders.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how and why Clementine's good intentions lead her to the principal's office. Does she feel misunderstood? Is she frustrated with others around her who are frustrated with her? Parents can discuss the relationship between Margaret and Clementine. What was the reason for their disagreement and how did they arrive at forgiving each other? Parents can also point out Clementine's way of understanding what's happening around her through the process of sketching.
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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Clementine?
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See all 4 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    5 stars!!!

    This book gives you great laughs, and has its sad parts, but at the same time, it's perfect for any yound child!

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 1.0

  3. Kid Reviewer
    Age 8
    Anonymous
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    a must read book for everyone

    it was great i loved it but for other people they may not understand the book

  4. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    Kids ages: 10
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0

    I laughed, that's for sure!

    Clementine is a very well written book. Funny details, all that good stuff. I am nine, and I was probably about 7 when I read this book. 5 stars, 7+!

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