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Tunes for Bears to Dance To (by Robert Cormier)

common sense media says

Compelling, simple story with an emotional wallop.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this compelling, simple story carries an emotional wallop, keeping kids interested with simple and stark but effective writing. This beautifully written novel will give you and your children a lot to think and talk about.

Positive messages: The villain despises people of all races and ethnic backgrounds different from his own. The main character briefly succumbs to evil but redeems himself.
Violence: The main character has a brief fight with another boy, and readers learn that the villain beats his daughter. Mr. Hairston forces Henry to choose between committing an evil act or losing his family's entire income.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Mr. Hairston constantly uses words disparaging to ethnic groups.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Tunes for Bears to Dance To

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the notion of evil. In what forms does evil appear in the story? How are these evils combated?

What's the story?

What's the story?
After World War II, Henry's father cannot work, and his mother scratches out a living as a waitress. The boy's prejudiced employer tells Henry to destroy an art project created by an elderly Holocaust survivor, or else he will fire Henry and have his mother fired. Henry must learn how to fight the evil man in this short but compelling morality tale.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Robert Cormier's simplest book tackles his major theme, evil, with an easy story suitable for readers younger than his usual audience. The brevity of the story helps intensify its impact on readers.

This beautifully written novel will give you and your children a lot to think and talk about. It is short enough that it doesn't intimidate most reluctant readers, and tells a story compelling enough to interest adults. It's an excellent introduction to Cormier's longer and more difficult works.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Robert Cormier
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Publication date: January 1, 1992
Number of pages: 101
Paperback price: $5.50

This review was written by Monica Wyatt
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

CSM Screen ...
teen, 17 years old
 
This book is rather short, but it's very hard to put down and is very interesting. I definitely recommend it.

desi564
teen, 16 years old
 
Im 12 and i do nut like reading but this was a fantastic book!! i Really enjoyed reading this book! easy book project to!!

AlexXD
teen, 16 years old
 
Very good book!

 
awesome!!
I was flipping through the pages REALLY fast when I was reading this one. It's short, but very compelling.

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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