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The Palace of Laughter: The Wednesday Tales #1

(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Jon Berkeley, Illustrated by Brandon Dorman)

  • 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

    Spooky circus tale is great for reluctant readers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The main characters display loyalty, friendship, love, and bravery despite odd, scary, and dangerous circumstances.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A boy is almost crushed to death by a yeti. A wild animal eats several sheep. A man threatens a child with a sword. A girl is tied up and held captive in a railroad car. Orphaned boys fight with large bones as a gang initiation. Rival gangs fight, hold each other captive, and injure each other during a game. Scary situations including mind control, a tiger that may or may not eat people, as well as adults in charge of an orphanage boxing children's ears.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Mild name calling: "stupid," "freak," "snake," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    An older child smokes a cigar. Adults and children drink elderberry wine.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Palace of Laughter: The Wednesday Tales #1

Parents need to know that if your kids are already afraid of clowns, this book isn't going to help. There is a very creepy circus, complete with odd clowns. Other scary situations include kidnapping, hypnotism, and addiction to a mysterious substance. Parents will love the story's emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and family, but there are also plenty of mischievous adults whose actions put children in danger.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk friendship and family. How did Miles show Little he was a true friend? How did he win Silverpoint's loyalty? What makes a family?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    twitty
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 1.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide (1) | Had useful details (1) | Read my mind (1)
    Flag as inappropriate

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