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The Pull of the Ocean

(2006, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Jean-Claude Mourlevat)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Unsettling modern French fable with mute hero.

updated 07.04.08

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Children run away (one of them permanently), hitchhike, steal. Parents despise their own child. The brothers look out for and care for each other.

  • Violence :

    Child abuse, beating a bully, discussions of killing a litter of kittens, children are locked up in a house and almost die.

  • Sex :

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Some mild swearing: "bitch," "screwed." A boy makes rude gestures.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Pull of the Ocean

Parents need to know that there is some mild swearing and violence here, and that children run away from home for several days, and one of them forever.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Yann's mute communication. How can someone communicate without speaking or writing? Why are the brothers able to understand Yann, but not his parents?
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