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Ways to Live Forever

(2008, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Sally Nicholls)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 11.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Touching but not maudlin story about a dying child.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 11 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Felix and Sam watch an R-rated movie (The Exorcist) when they know they are not supposed to. They try to use a Ouija board. Sam's grandmother believes his grandfather talked to her after he died and sometimes hears his footsteps down the hallway. Felix torments the hospital staff by sneaking out of his room or pretending to be covered in blood.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ways to Live Forever

Parents need to know that this book, while funny and often uplifting, may trouble young readers. The young protagonist struggles to answer many questions, including the one most important to him: Why do kids have to die?

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about any of Sam's tough questions: Why does God make kids get ill? Where do you go after you die? Family members can discuss what things they would like to do during their life and make a list.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    TicMotion
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    Must-read.

    Grown-ups and older kids should definitely read this book at least once. I loved it -- laughed, cried, couldn't put it down, and won't ever forget it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    writergirl100
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 5.0

    amazing book!

    this book is amazing, touching, and inspirational. i cried! haha. i think it is a must read for kids. just amazing. STANDING OVATION!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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