Harry Sue (by Sue Stauffacher)
common sense media says
Offbeat, gritty story with heart. OK for older tweens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book includes lots of difficult content -- drugs, child abuse and neglect, incarcerated parents, racism -- but none of it is graphic, and it's mostly told with a certain emotional detachment. Aauthor Sue Stauffacher, who has worked with incarcerated mothers,
lifts this gritty story out of the mire with wit, style, and emotion.Harry Sue is a distinct character: She may want to be bad -- and speak in a concvict lingo -- but her heart still shines through.
Educational value:
Parents and teachers can use this book to explore a wide range of topics, from what it means to be a quadriplegic (like Harry Sue's friend) to who are the Lost Boys of Sudan (one of whom is Harry Sue's art teacher). The publisher's reading guide can point you to a wide range of topics. Our own "Families Can Talk About" section can help kids with some larger media questions.
Positive role models:
Harry Sue wants to harden her heart, but it still shines through, even after all she has endured.
Violence:
A child is thrown out a window, it's implied that Granny is abusive to her daycare charges, a murder is mentioned, a baby seems to have drowned in a tub, a boy is crippled in an accident, another accident puts Harry Sue in the hospital.
Sex:
Several mentions of boobs, Harry Sue makes fake breasts, seeing underwear.
Language:
Mild expletives such as "crap" and "butt." Also, a glossary is included in the beginning of the book to help readers understand Harry Sue's convict lingo.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Lots but none of it glamorized: A drunk father, a mother who makes, uses, and sells crystal meth, cocaine is mentioned, teens smoke, toddlers are given cold medicine to keep them quiet, Harry Sue tells a version of Red Riding Hood in which Red drinks, Granny smokes cigars.
More on Harry Sue
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Most useful reviews by all members
sweetiegirl2008
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
this book was awesome!!!
i thought this was a realy interesting and strange book. i mean when i read the first 4chapters i told my friends this was one of the strangest books on the market, but when i finished reading it, i thought i was one of the best books ever written!!!!
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