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The House on Mango Street

(1991, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Sandra Cisneros)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A poetic -- and classic -- coming-of-age story.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Men are often mean to women, plus the book deals with racism and class relations.
  • Violence :

    Child abuse and a rape.
  • Sex :

    Men and boys force young girls to kiss them. A man hires prostitutes. Esperanza talks about her awakening sexuality.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    One mother smokes a cigarette, references to drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The House on Mango Street

Parents need to know that this coming-of-age novel features gritty material including child abuse, a rape, and men who treat their wives like prisoners. However, it also features a smart, gifted narrator who is determined to "say goodbye" to her impoverished Latino neighborhood.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the writing style here. The book is written in vignettes; is this an effective way to tell a story? How does the style reflect Esperanza's age?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 12 and give it 1.0

    e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens

    ONE THING: THis is the worst most boring most random book ive read in my entire life

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 16
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    the bok was enjoyable to read

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 13
    Anonymous
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    1st book i could not put down untill i finished!!!!!!

    This book relates to any one in many diffrent ways. Its either something you have been thrue, you think its funny, or its just too good. when you read this book you are going to fall in love with it.You will fell like one of the characters and its going to relate to you as if you are the one telling the story.Esperanza is a young lady that moves all across town.when she gets to mango street,she is so ashamed of her raggity old house and gets her feelings heart because of it.After time she makes friends, but there is one friend that she should of never met....read and find out.

  4. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

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