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The Four Dorothys

(2007, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Paul Ruditis)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Opening act of new teen series is just OK.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some of the pranks that befall the Dorothys are pretty severe -- one star has an allergic reaction and needs a shot to stay alive, for example.

  • Sex:

    Bryan asks Sam if she was "locking lips" with her boyfriend, and checks to see if she is still wearing a unicorn necklace, a sign that she's still a virgin. Bryan is gay, but closeted and doesn't pursue any romance here. Another character's nude pictures are posted on the school's Web site.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    A few references: Pop-Tarts, some label names, and mentions of movies and TV shows.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Four Dorothys

Parents need to know that this book features a gay protagonist (though he's still in the closet and doesn't pursue any romantic relationships). Parents should also know that some of the pranks that befall the Dorothys are pretty severe -- one star has an allergic reaction and needs a shot to stay alive, while another has naked pictures posted of her on the school's Web site.

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  • Families can talk about the popularity of the book series. Why are so many like this being published nowadays? Do you like reading about teen characters in modern high school settings, or would you rather a book took you someplace outside of the familiar?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Amber2242
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    LOVE ALL THE DRAMA BOOKS :)

    OMG I LOVE THIS BOOK i LOVE all of te DRAMA BOOKS <3 i want there to be a 5th book and maybe a movie lol :)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    miss_piggy7698
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 3.0

    Funny and dramatic in all the right scenes!!!!

    This book was satisfactory. It was funny at the right times and dramatic at the right times!!! The sabotaging acts seemed a little too dangerous (life threatening acts). Other than that it was good!!! :-)

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    Loki
    Lives in Alaska
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    lolzz
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    omg i loved it!!

    it was ahmazing!! i couldn't put it down! loved it! I mean some iffy content (the guy is gay) but nothing you dont learn in 4th grade.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    softballgirla12
    Lives in Florida
    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

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