Tools for this page
Print

Small Steps

(2006, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Louis Sachar)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Holes sequel is unlike predecessor; for tweens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Armpit and X-Ray scalp tickets and lie to the police.
  • Violence:

    Fights, a stabbing, attempted murder with a baseball bat.
  • Sex:

    Several kisses. Kaira's bodyguard sees her with her top open, X-Ray hoots at a girl, who flips him off, Kaira tells an audience she's a virgin.
  • Language:

    A few mild epithets.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    X-Ray sells parsley as if it's marijuana, Armpit's parents believe he's using drugs and ask for urine samples, an ex-ball player used steroids, band members drink and smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Small Steps

Parents need to know that this is pretty edgy for a book aimed at 10-year-olds. There are references to sex and drugs, a bit of pretty nasty violence, and the hero is involved, mostly through stupidity, in some shady dealings.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it's like for a convict trying to get his life together. How would you deal with the difficulties and unfairness? Why are his own parents so suspicious of him? Issues of race are also raised. Why are people afraid of Armpit? Is this reasonable? Another important theme is fame, which here is presented in a negative light. After reading about Kaira's life, would you want to be famous? Why or why not?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Small Steps?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review
See all 28 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Brilliant sequel to "Holes"

    This too should get a movie adaption. Characters are colorful and Sachar's writing is vivid in detail. If you read "Holes" you HAVE to read "Small Steps."

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

  3. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Ages 11+

    Awesome book mostly sexual content and some language, A girl has a seizure in front of a whole crowd at a concert

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Good for Older Kids but not anyone under 10

    Good book even though I'm only on the first chapter, I can tell it is going to be a really good book!

  5. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I think this was an amazing book! Kiara was a great role model and how Armpit was trying to turn his life around was so positive! I read it with my book club run by two eleven year-olds with all eleven year olds in it. It was awesome, but for anyone under the age of ten i would advise that the parent/gaurdian flips through the book first.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name