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Donutheart

(2006, Fiction - Friendship, Written by Sue Stauffacher)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Funny, moving, loving portrait of a neurotic boy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Franklin overcomes personal neuroses that border on obsessive to help a friend.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Franklin's mom smooches her boyfriend. Franklin is the product of a sperm donor. He's starting to notice girls (and women).
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Sarah's father smokes, drinks, and gets drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Donutheart

Parents need to know that in this sequel to Donuthead, Sarah's father drinks, smokes, and is possibly abusive, though nothing is described. Also, Franklin is the product of a sperm donor -- young readers may ask what that is.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Franklin's obsessions. All of them are based in science and reality -- so why aren't they reasonable? Why is getting him to do unsafe things seen as beneficial?

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