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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.

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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Our Members Say

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See all 7 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 1.0

    i am i high school student in texas and i am reading this novel, and frankly i am not in the least bit impressed with it. its a story that has no connection between vignettes and is no more than a collaberation of random short stories. in my oppinion a sixth grader could have written this book.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    Reality's problems are harsh, but it's not selling off sex or anything.

    It DOES have struggles of sexual and stress probelms in life, but in the end it's very inspirational and overcoming of trials to reach a gial or dream, and it's a fun style to read, like a girl writing a journal. Very poetic in some chapters and altho the issues are cruel and sexual, it's just a girl trying to survive. It's not like the character is asking for it or anything, so it's not teaching girls to act all... well you know the word.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Dont read if you're under 16

    I thought this book was suggesting things for young girls to become involved in

  4. 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

  5. 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

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