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Tuck Everlasting

  • 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.

Themes in this book include:   dating/crushes, friendship, loss
updated 01.22.10

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    An eloquent lesson on mortality wrapped tightly in lyrical prose.

  • Role models:

    Winnie disobeys her parents when she sneaks out of the house on two occasions, but she is still a good character.

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

This review of Tuck Everlasting was written by Norah Caroline Piehl

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.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • 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?
Did this review help you decide?

Is it a keeper for your kids?

Have you read it? Review It!

More on Tuck Everlasting

Book Summary

The Tucks have discovered the Fountain of Youth--but is it a blessing or a curse? Ten-year-old Winnie must consider this question even as she is kidnapped, witnesses a murder, and assists in a jailbreak. Along the way, the reader is treated to a richly imagined setting that is every bit as memorable as the story.
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Is It Any Good?

This is such a timeless story that kids who miss the context clues might be surprised to discover at the end of the book that it's set in the 1880s. 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.

This is a wonderful book to read with children who have experienced the death of an older relative. Children will be eager to discuss Winnie's life-or-death decision.
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Publisher’s Details

Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, Publication date: 1/1/1975
Number of pages: 139, Price: $5.99 (paperback)
Read Aloud: 8-9, Read Alone: 9+

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    karmen1
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    i love this book it is my favorite

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    waterlily101
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 4.0

    I love this book!

    I love this book for any reasons.First a have a crush on the boy that is 17.But secondley I love the ending it is gorgeous.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    super movie revi ...
    I rate this title on for age 9 and give it 2.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    didn't enjoy

    most people think this book is great and i guess it is but just not to me. i didn't really enjoy it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    avid_reader_chic
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    perfect for any one who likes a good book!!!

    i love it ok its awsome

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Kaitlyn1999
    I rate this title off for age 10 and give it 1.0
    • My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    No kid would wanna read this!

    Well it has some violent things in this book. And I really got bored with it and wanted to quit reading it. I hated it because there was NEVER any action moments. It's a plain book that I would not recommend letting someone dis-enjoy it. it could have been WAY better. It says that the girl is 10 but there is NO way she could be 10. Kaitlyn Kaitlyn

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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