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The Eyes of Kid Midas

(2004, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Neal Shusterman)

  • 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?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    One of the most exciting fantasy-adventures ever.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Kevin, drunk with power, spins totally out of control

  • Violence:

    Bertram the bully beats up on Kevin and others.

  • Sex:

    Kevin tries to force a girl to like him, and gives her an unwanted kiss.

  • Language:

    One mild expletive, necessary to the story.

  • Consumerism:

    Kevin and Josh wish up lots of products.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The entire story is a metaphor for drug addiction.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Eyes of Kid Midas

Parents need to know that among issues of power and wishes lurks a hidden metaphorical theme: The entire progress of the glasses' hold on Kevin exactly parallels the course of drug addiction and withdrawal.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the addictive nature of the glasses. What are some of the early warning signs that the glasses might be more trouble than they're worth? Why doesn't Kevin pay more notice to the problems with the glasses? What would you wish for if you had the glasses? Do you think you would handle them differently than Kevin did?
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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Feathersword
    I rate this title off for age 12 and give it 1.0

    This book is written for middle schoolers...

    I hated this book. I read it to my students because it was recommended here and I made a mistake. I hated it. It was age-inappropriate for 9-year-olds and was confusing to them. It also has curse words in it!

    This review...

    Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Voracious Reader
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Very Thought Provoking!

    Very deep, probably hard to understand for younger readers.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    laffattak
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A Great Book

    Th Eyes of Kid Midas is a wonderful book, though iffy in its portrayment of violance and greed. It does in a way teach a valuble lesson and I urge people of all ages to go out and read this very entertaining book.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    chukles
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    asdl
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i torn it

    Great A+ Best ever

    This review...

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

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