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Why War Is Never a Good Idea

(2007, Non-Fiction - Poetry, Written by Alice Walker, Illustrated by Stefano Vitale)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Evocative, but not a good idea for the very young.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 7–10

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Focus is on more subtle destructive aspects of war, especially those that impact unsuspecting, innocent creatures.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Why War Is Never a Good Idea

Parents need to know that this evocative poem about the hidden destruction of war presents a powerful message that is too scary for younger and sensitive readers. Younger kids will be scared more by the illustrations than by the words, and even 8- and 9-year-olds should read this book with an adult to help them understand it. Older readers and adults will be moved by both its beauty, ugliness, and truth.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the painful, scary effects of war in each of the situations presented in the book. Do you agree that war is never a good idea? How can we help build a world where wars do not happen?
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