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Shining On: 11 Star Authors' Illuminating Stories

(2007, Fiction - Short Stories, Written by Lois Lowry)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Loosely themed short stories from popular authors.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A girl is disfigured in a terrorist bombing.

  • Sex:

    A boy who keeps asking a girl to "touch it." References to "dykes," tongue-kissing, bras, an unbuttoned blouse while kissing, sex appeal, parents having sex, PMS and periods, "boobs" and "boob jobs." A gay teen comes out to his family.

  • Language:

    One "Christ."

  • Consumerism:

    Snack food, soft-drink, and chain-store brands.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    References to alcohol, "getting high," teen drinking; an adult smokes a pipe.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Shining On: 11 Star Authors' Illuminating Stories

Parents need to know that, while there's nothing graphic, there are lots of sexual references, including a homosexual teen, French-kissing, and a boy who keeps asking a girl to "touch it."

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the trials and tribulations of their own growing up. Are there any stories here that especially resonate with you? Do you recognize any of your friends in the stories? Teens may need some help with the British words, and may be inspired to try writing their own story of adolescent challenges.
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