Down the Rabbit Hole (by Peter Abrahams)
common sense media says
Teen puts herself in danger to solve crime.
parents & educators say
- 50% say language is an issue
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Ingrid is a plucky, brave Sherlock Holmes fan who decides to solve a crime on her own. Parents and readers may be freaked out by some of her choices -- she is impulsive and dishonest, repeatedly putting herself in
danger. She lies to her parents, the police chief, and friends; she
sneaks out in the middle of the night and cuts class during the day -- and even copies homework. Mystery fans who are sophisticated enough not to take this dangerous behavior too literally will think her a modern-day Nancy Drew and be pleased to know that they can follow Ingrid into other books -- or be inspired to check out some other detective heroes.
Educational value:
Parents could use this book to talk about deductive reasoning, or to introduce their kids to a host of other detectives and spies, such as Ingrid's hero, Sherlock Holmes. See our list of recommended books for some more modern alternatives.
Positive role models:
Ingrid is a complicated role model: She is trying to solve a crime, and is plucky and brave, but she is also impulsive and dishonest, repeatedly putting herself in
danger. She lies to her parents, the police chief, and friends; she
sneaks out in the middle of the night and cuts class during the day,
and copies homework.
danger. She lies to her parents, the police chief, and friends; she
sneaks out in the middle of the night and cuts class during the day,
and copies homework.
Violence:
Murder and attempted murder. Perhaps most disturbing: Ingrid's brother punches her, for which there are no repercussions.
Sex:
Some kissing, a teacher is referred to as gay.
Language:
Occasional and mild.
Consumerism:
Many stores and products mentioned, especially brands of footwear.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Adults smoke and drink various types of alcohol. It's mentioned that Sherlock Holmes used cocaine. Ingrid suspects her brother of drinking, and a friend's brother is convicted of DUI.
More on Down the Rabbit Hole
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
#1 nugget
adult
adult
Honest Abe
I think this book is somewhat inappropriate for this age group. I personally think it has too much drinking and bad language. I am sorry if you don't agree with me, but this is my opinion.
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1997ebm
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
for 11 and up because iy has a little language
i love this book because it has a mystery that made me want to read more and more
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whitehorse13
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Great Mystery, Bad Role-models!
This book was on my summer reading list and I can say I really enjoyed it. Although, in the beginning I found that the character of Cracked Up Kate wasn't a healthy role-model. At the very beginning of the book, Ingrid gets lost and goes into a total strangers house. Not a good idea! Ingrid does alot of things that most parents would find unacceptable. She lies, sneaks out, drives, interacts with strangers, etc. Near the end there is also a scene of where the bad guy is chasing Ingrid and trying to kill her which can be scary for some kids.
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aadams2929
adult
adult
Kids actually wanting to read MORE than is assigned? What...
I am a teacher who assigns this book, and although there is a mild language problem it is nothing to write home about. I only assigned 15 of the 30 chapters to my class and they read the whole thing. Most of them came to class and talked about how they couldn't put it down and how they were going to buy the next story. I assigned this at the end of the school year when it is hard to get them into much of anything let alone reading a novel, but they loved it! They stopped by my class to tell me how much they liked the book. Which incredibly prompted them to ask it I had the next one in the series. This was a month before summer break!
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teacher&mom
parent
parent
not for my 12 year old.....
I did not think this book was appropriate for my 12 year old girl. I was surprised by the language. The main character lies to her parents (alot) and makes some very foolish decisions, but if she hadn't, there wouldn't be much of a story...
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Ingrid Drew
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Perfect for teens who want a good mystery, not for younger kids
Ingrid may lie but for good reasons. Ingrid also shows that teens can do things and be independent, this book is really good and suspensful. As a teen this book was awesome but some parents might not approve.
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mychemchar
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Addictive series
I love this book and the sequels!! It is very interesting, and Ingrid is very likable despite the fact that she does lie some of the time. Besides, she solves a MURDER! That's a good thing. Anyway I would definitely recommend this book and the sequel
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BroadwayBaby33
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
A real page-turner
A great detective book. Intriguing, yet refined. The ending is very satisfactory. Mature topics call for mature readers. Mature 11 year olds, and 12 year olds.
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m1
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
An Excellent Mystery, But Some Mature Humor
It was a good start to a mystery series, but there is mature content in the book. There is a joke to homosexuality, and drug addiction references throughout. Not for kids under 12! If you are finished with Chasing Vermeer, choose this book!
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RobynShaw
adult
adult
Great Mystery Book for 12+ Kids!
A great book for a "tween" who likes mystery books. There is some mention of drinking and smoking, as well as reference to murder and skipping school, so this wouldn't be a book for an immature reader.
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