Rumble Fish

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Realistic portrait of a kid with no future.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that many teenagers and reluctant readers recognize and appreciate this realistically written story of a kid with no hope, living in a world of violence where only the tough survive.

  • Teenagers and reluctant readers recognize and appreciate this
    realistically written story of a kid with no hope, living in a world of
    violence where only the tough survive.
  • The main character fights and steals, smokes and drinks, with no
    guidance from parents or his school. He is, however, opposed to drugs.
  • Descriptions of a knife fight and mugging, with resulting injuries. A boy is shot and killed by the police.
  • Two brief descriptions of heavy necking, with kissing only.

What's the story?

Fourteen-year old Rusty-James reigns as the toughest kid in his rough, depressed neighborhood. He worships his older brother, who was the leader of a gang. But his brother drifts aimlessly, and Rusty-James lives only for the excitement of fighting. A realistic, engrossing portrait of a kid with no talents and no future. Great for reluctant readers.

 


Is it any good?

 

Readers who enjoyed S.E. Hinton's much-loved The Outsiders usually want to read the rest of her books -- and RUMBLE FISH stands as one of her best efforts. This spare portrait of a juvenile delinquent who has no desire to better his life allows readers to see Rusty-James as he cannot see himself. Readers experience Rusty-James's dangerous life, but they also see more.

Hinton reveals what brought Rusty-James to his status as juvenile delinquent. Rusty-James, despite his thoroughly deserved status as a bad boy and a thief, nevertheless comes across as a recognizable and sympathetic character. His toughness raises him above his peers, and his joyful acceptance of his apparently miserable life allows us to accept him. This is an impressive effort from the woman who virtually created the young-adult genre.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about self-image.

  • Is Rusty-James as "dumb" as he thinks he is?


This review was written by Monica Wyatt
Adult
November 11, 2008
 
Couldn't even finish...
Okay, I've read The Outsiders and That Was Then, This is Now, and I loved both, so I'm definitely not against S.E.Hinton. However, I tried reading both this book and Tex, and I had to stop because of the amounts of swearing. Within the first twenty pages of this book, there had been six or seven swear words. Tex wasn't as bad, but still high. I can't tell you anything else, other than I really wanted to read them but felt dirty after the first few pages. Proceed at your own risk! I highly recommend Outsiders and That Was Then, This is now (See my reviews for info)

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Teen, 14 years old
August 3, 2010
 
Great book with a little violance.
Rumble is one of my favorite books ever. it is really good and is, a little violant. that is my only concern. I think oter then that, it's fine. It's no worse then Hinton's The Outsiders. If you feel so, please respond to my review, I want to know what you think of it, agree, disagree, tell me! It's a wonderful book, but it makes you feel kind of crazy if you read it for to long of time. And tell me what you think! I need it for a progect!!

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Parent of 12 year old
October 14, 2009
 
Easy read, advanced message
Good book as long as it is followed up with some good discussion. The positive messages are hidden in resolution of the plot. It becomes more of an example of what not to do.

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Adult
July 24, 2009
 

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Teen, 18 years old
April 9, 2008
 
a good freshman reader
Rusty-James’s only direction in life is to be exactly like his brother, Motorcycle Boy. Even though all his brother does is drift thoughtlessly through life. Rusty-James is stuck seemingly for the rest of his life in a crummy neighborhood because he refuses to rely on anything but his physical strength.

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Teen, 17 years old
January 8, 2009
 
READ THE BOOK
the book was very good and it inspired me 2 not drink, or be in any type of gangs....U WILL LOVE IT...

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This review was written by Monica Wyatt
Author:S. E. Hinton
Book type:Fiction
Genre:Coming of Age
Publisher:Laurel-Leaf
Publication date:January 1, 1975
Number of pages:122
Paperback price:$5.99
Publisher's recommended age(s):12 - 14

This review was written by Monica Wyatt
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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