i was actually about 14 or 15 when i read it.. the words are fairly simple and easy to read, so you'd think it's for younger people.. but the things it deals with, are events talked about more in high school.. if i remember correctly. when it's somethign already being spoken about, or somethign they've already been introduced to, the book may not make such a huge impact, though it still had quite an effect on me. i chose 12+ but feel it probably should be more 13 or so +.
Tools for this page
Milkweed
(2003, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Jerry Spinelli)
-
Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 11. -
Is it any good?
-
Common Sense says
Disturbing book on Holocaust demands discussion.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11–15
What to watch out for
-
Violence:
-
Sex:
-
Language:
-
Consumerism:
-
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Milkweed
Parents need to know that children will be disturbed after reading this book, as they should be. The plot deals with the realities of being Jewish in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II, as seen through the eyes of an innocent child forced to steal food and change his name to survive on the streets. There are also mentions of human torture, explosions, death and, of course, the Holocaust.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the real-life events that led to the circumstances described in the story because Spinelli provides no historical background. Why were Jewish people singled out by Adolf Hitler and the Nazis? What other types of people were targeted for imprisonment in Nazi "death camps"? What would it have been like to be Jewish during this time? What types of sacrifices would Jewish families have had to make in order to survive? In terms of the book, how do you think Mischa manages to remain hopeful despite the horrors of the Holocaust happening around him? Would you have been able to survive on your own as he did?
Our Members Say
See all 68 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
Wringer
Cool book. I suggest to kids in sixth through eighth grade
I rate this title on for age 11 and give it- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
I think that is your kid is into reading historical fiction books about world war II, Milkweed is the book for you. The book may have some bad language such as "dirty Jew" or "Filthy son of abraham", and some violence, but overall, i loved the book.
Give Recommendations, Get Them, Too!
Become a member and get recommendations from other parents based on your child's age.Tell us your child's age:
Already a member? Log inOur Members Rate It
Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 50% | of parents say it's educational |
Have you read it? 
For Your Family
Get age-based recommendations for your kids:
Customize based on your child's age
