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The Crying Rocks

(2003, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Janet Lisle)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Slow-paced book touches on difficult issues.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    It is loosely implied that a mother commits suicide by jumping out of a building with her ill baby daughter rather than let her die in the hospital. Some mildly creepy scenes in the forest.

  • Sex:

    Uncle Vernon has an illegitimate child.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Crying Rocks

Parents need to know that the book raises, but doesn't really address, some difficult issues including suicide, illegitimacy, and family secrets.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Joelle's search for identity. How has the mystery surrounding Joelle's past influenced who she is at the start of the book? How does everything she learn change her?
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