Tools for this page
Print

Fast Sam, Cool Clyde, and Stuff

(1975, Fiction - Friendship, Written by Walter Myers)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Funny and sensitive story of friendship.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A description of a fight. A minor character is shot and killed when he holds up a store. The father of a boy dies, the father of a girl abandons his family, and a minor character dies.
  • Sex:

    Kids talk about sex.
  • Language:

    One minor off-color expression.
  • Consumerism:

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

    The main character stays out late at a party one night and drinks a can of beer. One character is a drug addict.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Fast Sam, Cool Clyde, and Stuff

Parents need to know that kids of all races can identify with this funny and sensitive story of friendship. The characters ring true as they play, confront difficulties, discuss life, and try to grow up. There are some slightly mature situations as the kids deal with the allure of drugs and sex, and the death of a parent.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the role that friendship plays in each character's life. How do their friends help them overcome difficult situations?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Fast Sam, Cool Clyde, and Stuff?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 1.0

    Fast Sam,Cool Clyde, and Stuff

    what wisdom do walter dean myers show in this book

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Anonymous
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Fanboy and Chum Chum

    Zany adventures are low on depth but high on imagination.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name