 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
- By Avi
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Brilliant high-seas adventure is a classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there is some violence here, some a bit graphic: men are whipped, and killed by knife and gun, and the young heroine is condemned to hang, though she doesn't. The story takes place in a time of racism, sexism, and rigid class distinctions.
What's the story?
Charlotte Doyle is a properly brought up young lady who is traveling from England to rejoin her family in America. Through a series of apparently coincidental, but suspicious, events, she finds herself the lone passenger on a forbidding ship. Initially, Captain Jaggery seems to be a true gentleman and the crew a motley collection of sullen lower-class riffraff. It is only after her snobbishly misguided actions have foiled a justified mutiny and resulted in the deaths of two of the crew that she finally begins to see the truth.
Is it any good?
Avi is an old hand at writing fine children's books in several genres, including historical fiction, and here he begins with one of the best opening hooks ever; instead of an Introduction or Author's Note before the first chapter, CHARLOTTE DOYLE begins with An Important Warning. See From the Book below for that warning. From that promising beginning, the author sweeps us into a breathtaking and suspenseful adventure at sea.
The story is satisfying for several reasons. As an action-packed, edge-of-the-seat adventure, it should be appealing even to reluctant readers. It combines an exciting story with thought-provoking consideration of issues, such as bigotry, honor, justice, and the necessity of letting beliefs dictate actions. The characters, major and minor, are complex and unpredictable. And, of all of the genre-bending plot elements here, perhaps none is as enthralling as seeing a young teen girl take on a traditionally male role in the gender-divided 19th century, not by hiding who she is and pretending to be a boy, but by becoming her true self out of conviction and determination.
From the Book:
An Important Warning
Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. But I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. . .If strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about Charlotte's growth over the
course of the book. Why does she see and act the way she does early on?
What causes her transformation? Is it believable in the circumstances?Have you, or anyone you've known, ever undergone such a change of
viewpoint? Worked hard to atone for mistakes?Is it possible to overcome what you've been taught from
birth? How much of ourselves is determined by upbringing, and how much can we decide for ourselves? Can we deliberately change who we are?
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AGE
movie
I heard that there is a movie coming out based on this book, coming out in 2011. I just read the book and I will be seeing the movie when it comes out next year!
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Kid, 11 years old
May 5, 2011
AGE
An instant classic
Zachariah (the African-American cook) is whipped and forges his death. Jaggery is unkind, rude, cruel, and unfair. Kids will learn the various parts of a ship.
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AGE
nicely written
I read this book in 5th grade, so if you're in fifth grade (or a mature fourth grader) this book is for you!
So I thought this was going to be the dumbest book ever, because it was assigned reading in class. But when I got into it, I was proved wrong. It was beautifully written with many messages throughout. This is a must-read. I rate it ON for 10 and up, PAUSE for 8-9 year olds, and OFF for 7 and under.
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AGE
Charlotte is a true female role model for young girls.
Excellent female heroine who must endure a ship voyage with many dishonest pirates. I bought this book for my 8 year old daughter as her very first chapter book for her book collection.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 17, 2011
AGE
I am currently reading it for class in the mini book club. It sounded so good, and it is however my other book clubber woudl do because she read the whole book over night! that book worm!
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AGE
Not for Teens
I read this book and it freaked me out. I read it only because it was assigned in class and I had to read it. I had nightmares and it was very graphic. Every other page there was either killing or blood.
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AGE
It's a classic that should be read by all; it's never too late!
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| Author: | Avi |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Historical Fiction |
| Publisher: | Scholastic Inc. |
| Publication date: | September 1, 1990 |
| Number of pages: | 224 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.95 |
| Paperback price: | $5.99 |
| Read aloud: | 9 |
| Read alone: | 10 |
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