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The Egypt Game

(1985, Fiction - Mystery, Written by Zilpha Snyder, Illustrated by Alton Raible)

  • 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

    Newbery Honor book is a fun mystery romp.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Even with a murderer in their midst, the issue of someone who is hurting children is treated with compassion. The culprit is described as being "sick." There is some miscarriage of justice when a hermit is suspected and the neighborhood turns against him.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Two murders of kids occur in the book with little explanation or detail. Another child experiences an attempted abduction; she is grabbed and fights her attacker, then rescued. A child threatens to punch classmates. Mention of a pet killed by another pet.

  • Sex:

    In this book the kids are still in the "Ewww..." phase when it comes to the opposite sex.

  • Language:

    There is nothing in this book harsher than a "Sheesh!"

  • Consumerism:

    Neighborhood stores are mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Egypt Game

Parents need to know that two children are murdered in this story. The murders aren't described, but the other kids are aware of the events. There is also an attempted child abduction. The information is given and explained in real, yet age-appropriate fashion. The main kid characters, fascinated with ancient Egypt, act out all types of rituals including mummification of a dead pet, god worship, chanting, and the use of oracles.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the religion of other cultures, especially the rituals and rites of ancient Egypt. They can also discuss safety issues. What things can they do to stay safe? What can they do if they are ever attacked?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Jaja2bear
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Perfect for Kids

    I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!! I am only 2/3 done with it and I started it about a week ago. I t is the best book ever and I never want to put it down. I LOVE IT!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    mkalv
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 2.0

    Not much of a mystery.

    I must say, after all the hype for this book, it turns out that the mystery is pretty lame, like the book itself.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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