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It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by D. James Smith)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Engaging look at 1950s kids; some history lessons required.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Discussion and incidents of racial tension. Kids tell Billy he should "stick to his own kind" and Paolo calls Billy's girlfriend a "China doll." Boys find "Stay away from that little china doll" spray-painted on their garage siding. The boys spy on a teacher and are convinced he is a Communist. They stow away in his truck and end up helping with a biology experiment. Two boys have to live in a car with their mother after their father runs off. One of the main characters is deaf.

  • Violence:

    Someone throws a rock at Billy and hits him in the mouth. The boys fight with one another. Arsonists burn their treehouse and they believe it's either Communists or a warning from other boys who don't want Billy to date Veronica because she is Chinese. Paolo fears Billy and Veronica are going to jump off a cliff like lovers in a local legend.

  • Sex:

    Billy has a crush on a girl.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Some brand names, such as Hamm's beer, Camel cigarettes, Sun-Maid raisins, and a Ronson cigarette lighter.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Paolo believes Communists "drink so much vodka they'd want to dance whilst sitting." He says he swore years back not to touch liquor. Paolo's uncle sends him to the store to buy cigarettes for him.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time

Parents need to know that this book addresses racism in a small town in the 1950s. There is little historical context so young readers may be confused by why interracial relationships and Communism are such a big deal. Characters call a Chinese girl a "china doll." There are some references to drinking and smoking by adults. One of the main characters is deaf.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how attitudes have changed toward interracial dating in the last 60 years. Most kids will not understand why Billy and Veronica were persecuted, nor will they likely know why Paolo is so worried about "Commies." Parents may want to encourage kids to ask their grandparents what it was like growing up; kids can compare their grandparents' experiences to the book.
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