 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Eyes of Kid Midas
- By Neal Shusterman
- Genre: Fantasy
Common Sense Media says
One of the most exciting fantasy-adventures ever.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that among issues of power and wishes lurks a hidden metaphorical theme: The entire progress of the glasses' hold on Kevin exactly parallels the course of drug addiction and withdrawal.
What's the story?
Kevin Midas is a seventh grader who gets picked on a lot. On a camping trip he climbs to the top of a mysterious Indian mountain just at the summer solstice, and finds a pair of sunglasses there. He soon discovers that they make his wishes come true, and he and his best friend, Josh, have a wonderful time wishing for everything they ever wanted.
But this is only the beginning. He also discovers that they cannot undo what they have done, and that when exposed to sources of electricity, such as a wall socket, they become stronger. Soon they begin to make anything he says come true, then to make any passing thought real, and finally to reach deep within his mind. In addition they find that using the glasses becomes physically addictive, the realities they create become normal to everyone else, and Kevin has an enemy who also knows about the glasses.
Is it any good?
One of the most exciting, suspenseful, and enthralling adventures to come along in some time, and this makes a superb read-aloud. In addition, it provides the deep satisfaction of pushing an idea as far as it can go, and far beyond the boundaries of the usual story.
This author's imagination is not limited by normal boundaries. The first half of the book is very funny, but as things get further and further out of control, as the glasses and Kevin's mind begin to change the fundamental order of the universe, the consequences are sobering and breathtaking. It would be hard to imagine the child who could put this book down before the end.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the addictive nature of the glasses. What are some of the early warning signs that the glasses might be more trouble than they're worth? Why doesn't Kevin pay more notice to the problems with the glasses? What would you wish for if you had the glasses? Do you think you would handle them differently than Kevin did?
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AGE
This book is written for middle schoolers...
I hated this book. I read it to my students because it was recommended here and I made a mistake. I hated it. It was age-inappropriate for 9-year-olds and was confusing to them. It also has curse words in it!
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AGE
You will not be Disapointed
I love the book "Eyes of Kid Midas" because it gives a great message toward children and it makes you want to read more and more righst when you satarts reading it. My advise to children is to read this book because you will not be disapointed. This book also give a great message which is that toys, money, and getting whatever you want isn't the most important thing in the world.
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AGE
Very Thought Provoking!
Very deep, probably hard to understand for younger readers.
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AGE
great book for ages 12+, 10+ if curses censored.
im currently in middle schoole.
i read this when i was 10 and i read it again recently because i remembered loveing it.
it has great charachter build up and the symbolisim even got to me when i was 10. a great read for anyone intreteested in it and anyone not.
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AGE
Because of the Divine Watch - a review by Amelia, age 10
Kevin Midas is nothing more then a major bully target for the school's big bully, Bertram Tarson. Then, just because of a gloomy camping trip, an urge to beat Bertram, lack of common sense, and a pair of glasses, Kevin finds himself in charge of the world. At first it seems like fun, but as time goes by it gets out of control. Can Kevin repair the damage he has done or has he made permanent changes in the world?
The Eyes of Kid Midas is a good book for people ages 8- 100. 100 if adults like reading good kids’ chapter books. This book is also probably more appealing to people who like fiction, adventure, and suspense. I really liked this book for many reasons, but the main ones are that it describes things exactly the way they would be in real life if a boy had the power to rule the world. The other reason is it keeps you wondering so you can’t stop!
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AGE
A Great Book
Th Eyes of Kid Midas is a wonderful book, though iffy in its portrayment of violance and greed. It does in a way teach a valuble lesson and I urge people of all ages to go out and read this very entertaining book.
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AGE
How to help your kids and make them answer the questions!
this book shows how a normal kid can find something (i.e. Video games) addicting and shows them what will happen if they play to much and what will happen when there addicted. If they say their not addicted then tell them to read this book it really helps!
another thing is
Families can talk about the addictive nature of the glasses. What are some of the early warning signs that the glasses might be more trouble than they're worth? Why doesn't Kevin pay more notice to the problems with the glasses? What would you wish for if you had the glasses? Do you think you would handle them differently than Kevin did?
Was this review useful?
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy |
| Author: | Neal Shusterman |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Fantasy |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | October 18, 2004 |
| Number of pages: | 192 |
| Paperback price: | $4.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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