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The Thief Lord

(2003, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Cornelia Funke, Illustrated by Cornelia Funke)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    A modern version of the shipwrecked story.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The kids steal.

  • Violence:

    Some minor fighting. Prosper holds a gun, but doesn't use it. Bo's aunt and uncle abandon him to an orphanage because he doesn't behave well, which some children may find disturbing.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Mild.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One of the adult characters smokes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Thief Lord

Parents need to know that they might be bothered by the amoral attitude of the author toward the stealing by the main characters. Though Prosper disapproves, he participates. Also, Bo's aunt and uncle abandon him to an orphanage because he doesn't behave well, which some children may find disturbing, though it is mitigated by the fact that Bo doesn't want to stay with them either.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the orphans' lifestyle. What are positive aspects of their lifestyle? What are the risks? Were Prosper and Bo right to run away?
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See all 19 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    666wolfgirl
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    I love it!

    This book is really awesome! It's creatively-written and indeed a page-turner. It grabs your attention and won't let it go, even to the very last page. The movie is also interesting, too. I didn't realize The Thief Lord was a book until I watched the movie. When I noticed it was written by Cornelia Funke, it was something I just HAD to read. She's a brilliant author and one of my favorites.

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  2. Parent Reviewer
    scopingforyou
    Lives in Nevada
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    Surprising!

    I love how this author writes. She is descriptive and makes things interesting. Just when you think this book is headed one way, it takes a turn in the opposite direction. For those who have a problem with the stealing, it's not viewed as okay by everyone in the story, so I don't think it will influence someone to start stealing. I do believe, though, that this book is too complicated for children younger than 8 or 9. All in all, this book was a real page-turner.

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  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Dappled_Dag
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Must read this book!

    I absolutely LOVED this! I'd recommend to anybody looking for a book! :)

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  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    twinkletoez610
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Magical Adventure!

    I love Cornelia Funke. She is an amazing author who possess the wonderful gift of writing. Her imagination inspires me in every way. I loved this book, and if you did then you should watch the movie too, because i thought it was just as wonderful. Take a moment to let Cornelia take you into the magical world of Venice filled with enchantment and adventure.

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  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    m1
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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