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Once Upon a Time in the North

(2008, Fiction - Adventure, Written by Philip Pullman, Illustrated by John Lawrence)
  • 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?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Brief, action-packed prequel to popular series.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Lee risks his life to stand up for what he believes is right.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Several shootings with injuries and deaths; a tense gun battle.
  • Sex:

    Lee lusts after two women.
  • Language:

    A fair amount of mild swearing: hells, damns, ass, bastards, and the word for a female dog used correctly.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Smoking, drinking, and drunkenness.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Once Upon a Time in the North

Parents need to know that there is some mild swearing, as well as gunfights that include injury and death.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Lee's actions. Why does he get involved in this situation? Why does he help the captain, at such great risk to himself?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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

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