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View from the Cherry Tree

(1998, Fiction - Mystery, Written by Willo Roberts)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Exciting but flawed murder mystery for tweens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 9–11

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Every character in this book is self-centered. Adults don't listen to, or seem to care much about, their own children.

  • Violence:

    A boy witnesses a gruesome death that may have been a murder. An old woman abuses a boy.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    A cat is called S.O.B.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A criminal sells drugs. Smoking, beer drinking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About View from the Cherry Tree

Parents need to know that all the adults in this story are depicted as insensitive, uncaring, and self-centered. The child is no better, and this is never resolved. Also, the main character, a young boy, sees a woman die by hanging.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the way the family treats Rob. Why aren't they more concerned about him? Why won't anyone listen to him? Why are they so obsessed with the wedding? Also, discussion of the flaws in the plot can sharpen critical reading skills.
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