Tamora Pierce is possibly the best teen fantasy writer of all time. I personally like her better than J.K. Rolling. Combined with the perfect amount of humor, morals, just good reading, and mystery, this book lets you imagine what it would be like to be a "puppy" (a young policemen) in "ancient times". As the main character is a girl, Beka, this is an especially good and inspiring read for any young female. I encourage all ages to read this incredible book.
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Terrier: Beka Cooper, Book 1
(2006, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Tamora Pierce)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Satisfying fantasy crime drama for tweens.
updated 04.29.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence :
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Sex :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Terrier: Beka Cooper, Book 1
Parents need to know that one of the book's major plot elements involves a serial murderer of children. While none of these murders is directly described, this is a society in which abuse, enslavement, and murder of children is common. Adult characters also die; some of these deaths may spark strong emotional reactions.
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the society of Tortall. What era of real human history does it most resemble? In what other ways is it similar to and different from ours? How can police and criminals be friends? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the relationships between the two groups in this society? What do you think of the way bribery is handled? Families who've read the other books set in Tortall can talk about what makes this one different. Why do you think magic isn't the focus this time?
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Most Recent Reviews
Lives in MaineI rate this title on for age 13 and give itAmazing!!
- Lives in UtahI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Love it!
This is a pretty awesome book!! It has a lot of really strong female characters and Beka is a good role model. She knows what's right and is very brave. A lot of talk about murder and slavery, so may not be good for sensitive children. The only swearing really is in their own "language" so you won't understand they're swearing unless you read the glossary.
- Lives inI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I loved this book
Tamora Pierce in my opinion is the best Teen Fantasy writer of all time. Her book "Beka Cooper Terrior" is my absolute all time favorite book by her. Although I do believe it requires certain maturity, other than that it is a thrilling experiance. This book is written in the journals of Beka Cooper. She tells the story of her addventures of becomeing a Dog, a person like a police officer those days. She is one of 5 children without a mother and father and was takin in my his majesty because of her heroic capture of criminals when she was only very young. Beka learns alot about friendship, her mysterious bond with dust spinners, ghost pigions, pigions who carry the souls of the dead, and solves two of the biggest crimes ever to strike Tontrall. Beka gets help from her trainers, friends and solves the mystery of the shadow snake, is he just a fairy tale or is someone now claiming the fear of the shadow snake as there own, and why is he killing inosent children in exchange for small tokens? Beka also solves the ongoing crime of a power hungry, greedy cult putting people to death after they got him what he wanted, fire opals. They are precious gems that can hold magic and are very, very valuable. Will Beka be able to do it on her own? Will she die? Who are these terriaable people commiting crimes? Why are they doing it? Will she ever become a Dog? All of these questions will be answered but you have to read Tamora Pierce's book "Beka Cooper Terrior" in order to find out.
- Lives in MichiganI rate this title on for age 2 and give it
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