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Lionboy

(2005, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Zizou Corder)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brilliant premise -- so-so execution.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Charlie's parents are kidnapped, bound, and gagged. The lions attack and injure Rafi. The threat of violence hangs over Charlie's escape.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    A drunken police officer. Charlie sneaks the tranquilizers meant for the captive lions into the liontamer's food and drink.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Lionboy

Parents need to know that this book hints at issues including corrupt drug companies and governments, animal treatment and captivity, and the environment. There also is a very positive portrayal of several interracial families.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the future imagined in this series. How is it similar to and different from the world today? Do you think it's a pessimistic or optimistic view of the future? Does it seem plausible, given the situation of the world today?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    The AudioCD Version: A fantastic way for the whole family to enjoy car rides

    Our family just finished listening to the audio CD on car rides (to/from school, lessons, etc). Our 9 year old thoroughly enjoyed it, as have my husband and I. Our 7 year old fell asleep a couple of times - some of the descriptive paragraphs drag a bit. I was worried it would be too adult for the kids, but was mostly relieved. There were two references to drunkenness (once as a part of the circus act & once a police officer was drunk). The premise in general carries a lingering threat of violence (Charlie's parents are kidnapped and there is a bad man that is chasing Charlie...and, of course, lions are wild animals), but that threat never comes to anything that caused a problem or concern. Charlie and many of the people he interacts with are smart and clever. Fascinating & entertaining information about circus life and the futuristic state of the world, with most beings (cats & humans) that Charlie encounters being supportive and good. All in all, a great tale. We can't wait to listen to the sequel.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Good book

    This book is filled with suspense and you just want to keep on reading it! In my opinion, you have got to read this book!!

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

    A great cliffhanger!!

    LIONBOY was a great book. It's the forth book I've read, in a row, for fun. I've always disliked reading up until about a month ago and if it's difficult for you to enjoy reading you'll enjoy this book! I couldn't get enough of it!

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 0.0

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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