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Pollyanna

(2004, Fiction - Literary Fiction, Written by Eleanor Porter)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Classic story of the power of positive thinking.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Some mild, casual racism (see Note), typical of the times in which the book was written. Pollyanna is a model of one positive way to deal with life.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Former beaus are referred to as "lovers," which did not mean then what it does now.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pollyanna

Parents need to know that this book offers a philosophy of life that can have a big impact on younger children. Playing the Glad Game is worth a try for any family. Like other books of its time, it contains a few comments that are considered racist by modern standards: a maid is referred to as "Black Tilly," and there are comments to the effect that little boys from India are "heathens."

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about optimism. If you were in Pollyanna's shoes, would you be able to share her optimism? Kids: When has positive thinking helped you make the best of an unpleasant situation? Today, Pollyanna is sometimes mocked for foolish optimism. Do you think that characterization is fair, based on the book?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

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

    i loved it

    pollyanna was one of the best books i had ever read the book is what inspierd me to wach the movie i wached both of them they where asum

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    sss
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    much better than the movie!!!!

    Pollyanna is 11 years old when she comes to stay with her aunt Polly. Pollyanna is always very positive and respectful to everyone. the whole town loves her. Pollyanna tries to reunite her aunt with her former beau, who remains a mystery until the very end. the movie was spiced up with more romance between the characters. the book was great!

    This review...

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

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