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Into the Wild

(1997, Non-Fiction - Biography, Written by Jon Krakauer)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mesmerizing, tragic bio too intense for some 15+.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Parents have strained relationship with teen son. Father lies to family. Main character builds strong relationships with adult individuals on the road, but he chooses to be on his own, rebuffing their support and help.
  • Violence:

    Discussion of what happens to one's body if facing starvation, hypothermia, poison. Animals hunted and shot with guns.
  • Sex:

    Girl flirts with boy; teens discuss "getting laid" story told of teen drunk trying to have sex with teenage girl; father has affair with ex-wife and she becomes pregnant.
  • Language:

    "F--k," "Hell," "S--t," "Goddamn," "Ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Mention of Kmart, Colgate toothpaste, Sizzler.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Author mentions own experience with marijuana; adults drink to get drunk and use dope. Man with drinking problems.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Into the Wild

Parents need to know this bestseller was intended for adult readers, but teens may want to read it, thanks to the release of the movie adaptation directed by Sean Penn. Readers will find lots of hitchhiking, discussions of an adulterous relationship, challenges between father and son, and a family's uncertainty of a son's whereabouts and grief upon hearing of his death. The author talks of his own experiences on a high-risk climb in Alaska (including smoking a joint and setting part of his tent on fire).

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about risk behaviors, including the dangers of hitchhiking and living in a remote area on your own. Parents can ask their teens about their own wanderlust. What is the lure of a wilderness adventure? Or would you rather tour foreign cities? How can this sense adventure be satisfied while being safe? What are specific precautions you should take as a young traveler?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Sometimes, the message overpowers the intense subject matter

    Personally, I think the rating 15+ is a little but of an overreaction, the book while at times is mature, really conveys a powerful journey. It shows the hardships and downfalls that occurred during this journey as well as the happiness and joy that he earned as well. I think this book shouldn't be judged as to whom may read it solely based on age. I think it depends completely on maturity.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I hated this

    This book was not okay for my age. It had a lot of bad language and I would not recomend it for anyone under sixteen.

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