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The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

(2007, Non-Fiction - Autobiography, Written by Peter Sis, Illustrated by Peter Sis)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Award-winner shows child's view of the Cold War.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The artist participates in peaceful demonstrations.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Mentions of a riot after a concert, men hijacking a plane, imprisonment, and death.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

Parents need to know that this serious book deserves time and close attention. There are many big political and philosophical ideas and mentions of events that may disturb some children, including a plane hijacking, imprisonments, and deaths.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about and compare what was happening in America during that time. Are grandparents available to share their own memories of the cold war era? Families can also explore the Western cultural touchstones that meant so much to Sis -- the Beach Boys, the Beatles. What other art forms have been used in political revolution?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 5.0

    THE COLD WAR KID a touching but mature subject

    Peter Sis is the best illustrator i will veer know, his unique dot style really impresses me. Though his knew book may be a little hard on kids, and i highly recommend reading w/ parents. The story is about the author and his brutal childhood on being the cold war kid, with beautiful montages filling up each page. Adults will also want to read this, not only because of its pictures, but because it is a war-type subject adults will be interested in. A superb book.

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