This book demonstrates the extreme side of Enlightenment philosophy. The vocabulary used is excellent as is the style; the book is written in the style fitting the setting. The book is brutal, but brings up issues of science that are still relevant. The concept of slavery is also there for discussion. Another age appropriate discussion theme is the search for identity. Coupled with its sequel, the title character is on a quest for who he is, both in name and in action.
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The Pox Party: Octavian Nothing, Vol. 1
(2006, Fiction - Historical Fiction, Written by M.T. Anderson)
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Slavery-themed award-winner not for most teens.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–18
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Pox Party: Octavian Nothing, Vol. 1
Parents need to know that in this story dealing with slavery and the Revolutionary War, there's disturbing brutality and violence, especially the vicious beatings endured by slaves. One man is tarred and feathered, throats are slit, and soldiers and horses die. There is a bit of off-color language and some sexual references including nudity and a mention of "the clap."
Read our full review by Matt Berman
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the scientific work of the College. What kind of science is this? Is it really science at all? What rights are, and ought to be, given and forbidden to those who claim to pursue knowledge? How is the research being slanted? Why is it being conducted at all?
Our Members Say
See all 7 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
Deeper concepts from a challenging read.
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
i read this when i was 10...
i read it when i was 10, but my mental age is at least 4 years older, so... but, yeah, definitely a teen book.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
Good, well written
I read it at fifteen, but a mature 13 year old could definitely handle it.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
An astonishing read
I usually don't read teen lit because i find it too juvenile for my tastes, but this one was a good read. the 18th century style prose is done very well, and the story is intense all the way to the end. i can't wait to read the sequel. I don't think its too mature for teens, i think its written at a level that most 13+ year olds SHOULD be able to understand
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
Hmmm...I'm still not really sure.
The language is not difficult. It is very well written, but I cannot see how most people would have problems. Honestly, it's appalling how poorly people can read. I do have to say that the commonsense people are right to say that kids may not be interested in it though. I still can't say if I like it, because it really suprised me. I'll probably have to read it again to have a definite opinion. It is great to see that there is writing talent for teens out there. Serious drivel has been published lately and I was beginning to lose hope that someone could write.
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| 100% | of parents say it's educational |
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