Im 14 and I gotta say the Outsiders was way better. Kids arent stupid we know that using LSD one time wont completely f you up. Also whats with the depressing ending?
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That Was Then, This Is Now
(1971, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by S. Hinton)
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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 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Teenagers love the gritty realism of this novel.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13 and Up
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 That Was Then, This Is Now
Parents need to know that teenagers often see themselves in this story about kids who are going through a turbulent adolescence. The realistic character study seems to touch young readers, who frequently undergo similar uncertainty.
Read our full review by Monica Wyatt
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the realities of being a teenager in the 1950s (the time period in which this book is set) and how it compares with the struggles of being a teen today. Why does Byron hate the police? What prompts him to grow weary of all the violence that surrounds him on a daily basis? Do you agree with Byron's decision to turn Mark into the cops? Have you ever felt similarly conflicted by your desire to stay loyal to a friend but, at the same time, to do the right thing?
Our Members Say
See all 14 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
not so good in my opinion
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
A classic novel that may not be for every teen
I can't believe Common Sense Media gives "That Was Then, This Is Now" an "on"!! This book deals with very mature subject matter. For one thing, the whole story revolves around drugs. The characters use drugs and discussion of drugs is used. This is required 8th grade reading, but parents need to be strongly cautioned with the graphic drug use in this book, along with some violence, racial language, and some sexual references. Just as a little note, the movie ("That Was Then...This Is Now") is rated R, which is why it can't be shown in middle/high schools.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
One of the most amazing books i've ever read!
This book is simply brilliant. I wrote not an issue for everything because i think that all the violence and drug abuse is VERY clearly shown in negative light. WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD: One kid nearly loses his mind(LSD and weed)one adult gets shot (gambling and violence) one kid ends up emotionally scarred (his brother was selling LSD to the kids who gave it to the kid who almost died)One kid ends up in a penetentiary (dealing brother.) Also it gives an honest look at the hippie era. Kids it wasn't really just people with long hair who talked about peace. Lots of drug abuse. Lots of free love. This book along with the Outsiders (always read the Outsiders first) has changed my life forever.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
i lost all my tears
it was a book that i actualy read...and i would read it a hundred more timz if i didn't know it by heart!
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