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Tuck Everlasting

(1975, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Natalie Babbitt, Illustrated by No Illustrator)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    A timeless and thought-provoking novel.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Winnie disobeys her parents when she sneaks out of the house on two occasions.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    One character threatens the Tucks and is killed by a blow to the head with a rifle butt. The Tucks kidnap Winifred. Mae Tuck is threatened with hanging.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Tuck Everlasting

Parents need to know that the sparkling nature descriptions are great introductions to lyrical prose. The main character uses her ingenuity to rescue a friend from a risky situation. Kids who stick with the novel through the (intentionally) sleepy opening are rewarded with a humorous and moving story, as well as unforgettable descriptions of the natural world.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about life, death, and the circle of life. If you could, would you want to live forever? What would you enjoy about immortality? What might be unpleasant? If you were in Winnie's position, what decision would you make?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Tuck Everlasting?
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See all 24 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages

    good book

    i dont like books this book is the only one i have ever liked that i have read in school

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    awesome book

    it's really nice.... and the author describes it expertly (is that a word?) overall i think it's a touching book with a nice ending i actually cried when tuck read that winnie died

  3. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    awesome book:

    In many ways, the story is a fairy tale, with a magical spring, a kidnapped heroine, an enchanted handsome prince, and even a bittersweet ending. Natalie Babbitt's eloquent descriptions of woods, ponds, and animals elevate the novel from mere story to a lyrical meditation on the natural order. The dog days of summer, when the earth cracks and lighting flashes without thunder, are described with exquisite clarity; cows, fish, and even one of the most memorable toads in children's literature are given personality and respect. The plot engrossing and the images and themes can last in the reader's mind for a very long time throughout the whole book. a.p.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Very Interesting

    I thought it was a very good book because you never new what was going to happen. I would think something and then I would read the next page and it was totally different from what I thought.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 5.0

    Beautifully written!

    As a teacher, I would recommend parents and teachers read this beautiful albeit a tidbit disturbing story with their children or students. Babbitt's use of figurative language is breathtaking. This book would be perfect used in a writer's workshop context. Discussion possibilities about life for both parents and teachers are endless.

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