 | 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 Wanderer
- By Sharon Creech
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Award-winning tale takes risks with storytelling.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some minor issues are raised, such as the value of organization. But the main topic is the literary style: Told in dual journals, gradually revealing the important backstory in hints and snippets, leaving loose ends, it's an unusual way to tell a story.
What's the story?
Sophie is excited to be sailing a 45-foot twin-masted schooner across the Atlantic to see her grandfather, Bompie, in England. Sailing with her are three uncles and two cousins. Uncle Dock is pursuing a lost love, Uncle Stew and his son Brian are obsessively organized and bossy, and Uncle Mo likes to criticize his son Cody, who enjoys driving him crazy in return.
In the first third of the book this motley crew works on getting the rather decrepit old boat ready for the voyage, and then making a shakedown cruise from Connecticut to Nova Scotia, with stops along the way. Then they head out into the open sea, where they encounter whales, dolphins, and a huge storm that nearly wrecks the boat.
Is it any good?
Lyrically told in alternating journal entries by Sophie and Cody, this exciting sailing adventure is merely the roiling surface of the sea of their lives. Underneath is the story of Bompie's life, revealed in a series of stories that Sophie tells the crew, and Sophie's life, which is not the way she portrays it in her journal. Through hints and snippets in Cody's journal, the reader gradually comes to understand the reality of her past, from which Sophie is hiding.
All of these stylistic techniques will make this especially fascinating to some experienced readers while it will confuse others. Children who are fascinated by sailing will also be drawn in, and those who have the patience to wait for the gradual unfolding of the truth will be intrigued. The Wanderer has become a favorite choice for reading groups and literature circles because of its complexity, but for that same reason it should not be forced on kids who are not ready for it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the author's use of dueling narrators to tell a story. What are the differences between Cody and Sophie's versions of the same events? At what point do you realize that Sophie might not be telling the whole truth? How different would this book be if the author had chosen to use just one narrator?
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AGE
STUPID!!!
The Wanderer By Sharon Creech is the stupidest book for a 13 year old. This book is for 7 year olds.
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AGE
best book ever
this was definatly creech's best book yet. i cant understand why anyone could not like such a book, Its story could fuel your heart and captivate you mind with its breath taking human beauty a must read for anyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Slow moving but good life lessons!
This book was a bit slow moving for both me and my 13 year old son. It was pretty much same old, same old until the end. It did have some good lessons about working together and about the choices we make.
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AGE
Good for tweens! Younger kids (7 and younger) may have a hard time
I loved it! Sharon creech is such a good author! This has to be one of her best!
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AGE
Teaches about sailing, writing, and living
The Wanderer is a beautifully crafted book about life. There are interesting characters in a changing and challenging setting. This would be a great springboard for journal writing.
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AGE
Sophie and I loved it!
Sophie is not only the main character, but the name of my daughter. We loved this book. Although Sophie's background is somewhat troubling, I rated the social stuff as good stuff because of the way its handled.
My Sophie is 9 and a very stong reader. Wait a few more years for kids that aren't strong readers as the format could be confusing.
Neither Sophie nor I found it to be a problem and enjoyed having Cody reveal things that Sophie didn't.
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AGE
UMM..
a bit odd but overall a good read. I thought it was weird but thats my personal opinion. Perfectly acceptable for anyone over 10.
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AGE
I love this book because its very instering and you can't put it down once you start reading it.It's sorta easy to understand 'cause the chapters are very short.If you like a good sea book,than you should read this one.
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| Author: | Sharon Creech |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | February 27, 2005 |
| Number of pages: | 305 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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