Nick of Time (by Ted Bell)
common sense media says
Riotous, violent adventure with classic virtues.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is quite a bit of violence here, some rather gruesome, especially a gratuitous scene where a man cuts off and swallows the tip of his own tongue to frighten a boy he is attempting to kill. The violence is set in a science fiction context, but it may be intense for kids unable to separate fantasy from reality. All in all though, this book celebrates classic values, like bravery and honor, and Nick is brave, stalwart, loyal, honest, true, and utterly dependable. Readers will pick up on a smattering of real historical characters and events, and the high
adventure here may have a special appeal to reluctant readers,
especially boys.
Educational value:
Smattering of real historical characters and events, plus the high adventure here may have a special appeal to reluctant readers, especially boys.
Positive role models:
Nick is brave, stalwart, loyal, honest, true, and utterly dependable.
Violence:
Battles with swords, guns, and cannons, with much blood, and many deaths and injuries, including amputation without anesthetics. A boy's arm is blown off and hangs by a flap of skin. A sailor is killed by being put in a torpedo tube and fired into the sea. Hints of torture by scalpel, leading to a dream of having a tongue cut out. Several people are eaten by sharks. A man cuts off the tip of his own tongue and eats it. Many children are imprisoned and kept in miserable conditions.
Sex:
Mention of a man "sporting" with his "mistress," and of "lewd advances."
Language:
Some mild swearing: "hell" and "damn."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Pipe and cigar smoking, drinking of grog, rum, brandy.
More on Nick of Time
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
jojodp
kid, 11 years old
kid, 11 years old
amazing storyline great text love it
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Baby Bre
parent of 8 and 10 year old
parent of 8 and 10 year old
I agree with the Common Sense rating on this book for violence. Much of it is quite graphic, however, I feel that brings the story to life all the more. The author is right in that there are few adventure stories written for boys these days, excluding the ones that have been softened up for "today's" boys. Pirates and Nazis were brutal and ruthless, and to portray them otherwise would be dishonest. It is clearly protrayed in this book, and adds emmensely to the suspense, adventure, and courageousness of the characters. It's only because of the graphic nature of the violence that I rated this OK for 10+ and not younger.
I strongly disagree with the Common Sense rating for the "Good Stuff". The characters in this book exibit strength of principals and values that are commonly missing, not only from literature today, but from much of society in general. We need our children reading more of everyday heroes with these qualities.
I just finished Nick of Time with my 8-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter who loved every minute of it and begged for more every night. When we finished the last page, they both shouted, "That was the best story you've ever read us!"
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