This Means War (by Ellen Wittlinger)
common sense media says
Gentle look into gender roles; age-appropriate for tweens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book involves a series of challenges between a group of neighborhood boys and girls. Some of the challenges involve risky behavior, like jumping from a high
tree or shoplifting. During the final
challenge, the neighborhood bully sets a barn on fire and several of the kids get
injured.
Educational value:
Readers will certainly learn about the Cuban Missile Crisis. They may want to know more about bomb shelters and the duck-and-cover exercises that the kids do at school.
Positive role models:
The author does a good job of presenting a wide spectrum of girls and boys with a variety of interests and personalities. Juliet is both strong and sensitive, and readers will understand both her feelings about the impending war -- and her complicated feelings for Lowell. Even when the neighborhood bully is arrested, Juliet feels sorry for him. Several characters do engage in dangerous behavior, from shoplifting to setting a barn on fire. The neighborhood bully ultimately ends up in a juvenile detention facility.
Violence:
Some of the challenges involve risky behavior, like jumping from a high tree or climbing into the yard of a scary dog. During the final challenge, Bruce sets a barn on fire, and several of the kids get injured.
Sex:
One girl has a crush on a boy, and they develop a very innocent relationship that involves walking and talking together.
Language:
Some words like "stupid" and "sissy."
Consumerism:
Juliet's family owns a grocery store, and mostly because of this there are some references to products like Oreos, Zero bars, and Rice Krispies.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
One character shoplifts some cigarettes.
More on This Means War
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
Sky is the Limit
kid, 13 years old
kid, 13 years old
A little slow, but still a good read
The periods between contests aren't very fast-paced like the rest of the book. At the beginning it doesn't really appear to have much plot until you get into it. Realistic characters and somewhat realistic plot. Worth the read.
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