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One Small Step

(2008, Fiction - Science Fiction, Written by P. Kerr)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Absurd premise yields a thrilling story.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Though the main character is full of admirable qualities, he lies to his mother, aided by his father and the government.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    An fatal airplane accident, another with injury.

  • Sex:

    References to having sex, multiple references to Playboy magazine, a discussion of women wearing miniskirts so that men can see their underwear, mention of condoms.

  • Language:

    A fair bit of mild swearing: "g-ddamn," "nuts," "dick," "assholes," one use of "s--t."

  • Consumerism:

    Car, lawn mower, soda brands mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teens and adults smoke and young teens drink beer.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About One Small Step

Parents need to know that, though the publisher lists this book for ages 8 and up, and the story certainly seems meant for that age, there are numerous sexual references, and more swearing than you'd expect in a book aimed at middle elementary-aged kids. Also, a boy is encouraged and aided in lying to his mother by his father and by government agents, including the president.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the mysteries about the space program raised in the Author's Note. The premise of the book seems ridiculous, but the secrets encourage speculation. Why might the government still be keeping secrets so many years later? What do you think really happened? What could they be hiding? Do you think anything like this story is even remotely possible?
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