The Palace of Laughter: The Wednesday Tales #1 (by Jon Berkeley)
common sense media says
Spooky circus tale is great for reluctant readers.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that if your kids are already afraid of clowns, this book isn't going to help. There is a very creepy circus, complete with odd clowns. Other scary situations include kidnapping, hypnotism, and addiction to a mysterious substance. Parents will love the story's emphasis on friendship, loyalty, and family, but there are also plenty of mischievous adults whose actions put children in danger.
Violence:
A boy is almost crushed to death by a yeti. A wild animal eats several sheep. A man threatens a child with a sword. A girl is tied up and held captive in a railroad car. Orphaned boys fight with large bones as a gang initiation. Rival gangs fight, hold each other captive, and injure each other during a game. Scary situations including mind control, a tiger that may or may not eat people, as well as adults in charge of an orphanage boxing children's ears.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Mild name calling: "stupid," "freak," "snake," etc.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
An older child smokes a cigar. Adults and children drink elderberry wine.
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