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Witness

(2004, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by Karen Hesse)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Confusing yet compelling tale of racism.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 12–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Racism.

  • Violence:

    A man is shot and injured, a cross is burned, a boy dies when a sandbank collapses on him, the Leopold and Loeb case and other violent news stories are discussed.

  • Sex:

    Child molesting is referred to.

  • Language:

    Racial epithets.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One character smuggles bootleg liquor.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Witness

Parents need to know that the subject of this book is a great topic for discussion -- racism, its permeation into everyday life, and the quiet way decent people stand up to it. Young readers may want to know more about the Leopold and Loeb case.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about racism. Have you ever witnessed any acts of racism or heard people say racist things? What is your reaction to racist behavior?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    B2
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 1.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    I think you should read this a 10+

    I tought it was kind of confusing because of so many characters and the open verse but other than that it was pretty good.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    7789
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 2.0

    I twas a challengingbook for the younger kids

    I thought that the book as challenging even for some adults.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    7789
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 2.0

    I twas a challengingbook for the younger kids

    I thought that the book as challenging even for some adults.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    sweetixfac3
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title off for age 2 and give it 1.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    bubblegum121
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    a must-read book for every middle schooler

    Not for young kids, some violence, a lot of hatred against jews and blacks, and people die. Crosses are burn't, the KKK is back and is geting mean in Smalltown Vermont!

    This review...

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

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