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Small Steps

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

    About our ratings

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    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.

updated 07.04.08

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?
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See all 23 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Anonymous
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 1.0

    STUPID BOOK!

    WELL I HAVEN'T REALLY READ THIS BOOK. . .MAYBE BECAUSE I HAVEN'T FOUND IT ANYWHERE AND THIS BOOK IS OBVIOUSLY NOT ABLE TO BE READ ON THIS WEBSITE! THIS SUCKS!!

  2. Teen Reviewer
    Age 15
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Simple amazing.

    I am 14 years old, and I am an avid reader. This book is the BEST book I've ever read, and I'm pretty sure it will always be. I have read this four time, and I really think that I can read it all day long. From the beginning to the end; this book was glued to my hand. I HAD to finish reading this. This book is amazing, you will enjoy it if you read it.

  3. Teen Reviewer
    Age 14
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    Small Steps

    This book is one of the best books i've ever read. if you are thinking about reading this than you should read holes first. you shouldnt read this book if you are younger than 12 because they have books that have ideas about sex. children shouldnt read about that. but behind a couple little things this book is amazing. it teaches you things you need in the future.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    A boook that ahows Sachar's true writing skills!

  5. Kid Reviewer
    Age 12
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Good book OK

    I am 12 years old for the last 3 months!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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