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The Glory Field

(1994, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Walter Myers)
  • 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?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Stunning saga of an African-American family.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Numerous prejudiced whites are depicted, but others take part in the civil rights movement.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A description of a slave whipping and beating. A white boy is severely beaten for joining a civil rights march.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Slaveholders and prejudiced whites use the word nigger.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Glory Field

Parents need to know that this is a stunning portrait of the progress of black Americans, as courageous teenagers escape slavery and combat prejudice and, later, drug addiction. The family's close ties give its members strength. Each simple but compelling story makes characters come alive and keeps readers involved. Although the book is long, it's divided into stories, making it easy to read.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about family history and obligation. How does the larger family influence the individual character's decisions? Does your family have a valued, shared possession -- land, an object, a story -- like the Glory Field?

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Our Members Say

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See all 8 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Good role models

    A Message You Must Read!

    This book was very interesting. It was kind of confusing at first, but then if you look deep within the pages, it contains messages that are great messages for not giving up and standing up for what you believe in. It also can show readers how things changed during the time of the Civil Rights Movement.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 1.0

    my eyes almost bled to death

    i hated this book. if u like history books this book is for u but if u like exciting things then u will cry everytime u read this book

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    BLACK HISTORY

    it is a great book intresting

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    A Must Read

    Reading this book for a PRE AP english assigmnent felt like crap, but reading it to actualy understand it is another thing. it teaches morals, and how to be a good person

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    this book is incredible

    oh, my got, this book is the best book ever!!!!!!!! teenagers should read this book. it is about blacks sold as a slave. stating from 18th century to 21th century. a family relationship, friendship, and this book is so suspenceful

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