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The Postcard

(2008, Fiction - Mystery)

  • 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

    Unlikely but pleasant mystery with noir overtones.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    With his father in the hospital, Jason lies to his mother to keep her from flying in, lies to the police, and lies to the neighbor who is supposed to take care of him.

  • Violence:

    A man is shot at, repeatedly hit on the head with blunt objects and knocked out, punched, injured in an explosion (which requires facial reconstruction). Another man is killed in war. Adults threaten children.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Some mild swearing: "hell," "damn," "crap," "smartass," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Car brand mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Adults smoke cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Postcard

Parents need to know that there is some violence here, but it's mostly played lightly. In order to have the freedom to pursue the mystery, Jason lies to his mother, the police, and the neighbor who is supposed to take care of him.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the postcard clues and the story chapters they lead to. Wouldn't this be fun to do? What are some other ways to create clues? How could you do this yourself?
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