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Clementine

  • 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.

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

This review of Clementine was written by Pam Gelman

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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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More on Clementine

Book Summary

CLEMENTINE covers one week in the life of the precocious third-grader Clementine. At school she "helps" Margaret, a friend and neighbor, by cutting and coloring her hair. Neither the principal nor the girl's mother are amused, and eventually the two girls stop speaking to each other.

At home Clementine helps her father battle pesky pigeons. Mourning the loss of her cat, she also is convinced her parents are going to trade her in. In the end, hair begins to grow back, friendships are mended, Clementine's parents address her fears and treat her to a big surprise.

Is It Any Good?

CLEMENTINE fits right in with Ramona, Sheila-the-Great, and Pippy Longstocking -- and Sara Pennypacker has mastered the art of believable dialogue out of the mouths of kids. Despite all of Clementine's challenges, the reader also knows that she'll land on her feet or more likely, in the arms of loving parents. What's more, pen-and-ink drawings by Marla Frazee beautifully complement both silly and tender passages.

Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children, Publication date: 09/15/2006
Number of pages: 144, Price: $14.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 5, Read Alone: 7-12

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    it sucks

    hate it

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    dont juge a book by its cover exspeshly this one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    The serise Cemintine is a great seares for kids!! The first time I saw it Iwasent to thrilled about it!!! But dont juge a book by its cover!! Expeshliey this one!!But once Ipicked it up Iwas in the zone !!!!!!!! Iwould yell at anybody who disterbed me!!!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    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!

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

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    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

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