The Crying Rocks (by Janet Taylor Lisle)
common sense media says
Slow-paced book about tough issues has supernatural spark.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the book raises coming-of-age themes as Joelle begins to explore her past and learn about her identity. It mentions some difficult issues, including suicide, illegitimacy, and family secrets. There is a boy/ girl friendship at its heart, and Joelle and Carlos cope with their pain through a friendship with each other. It has some magical elements, and kids may enjoy rereading this book and trying to deduce what's real from what's not.
Educational value:
Kids may enjoy rereading this book and trying to deduce what's real from what's not.
Positive role models:
Joelle and Carlos cope with their pain through a friendship with each other.
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. Suffering of the Narragansett people in a long ago massacre and Joelle's foster mother tells her at one point she lived with a crazy woman who mistreated her.
Sex:
Uncle Vernon has an illegitimate child.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
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