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The White Mountains (by John Christopher)

common sense media says

Appealing plot, powerful writing offset slow pace.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this book's plot is thin but solid, and the writing spare yet powerful. The appeal of a boy free to set his own course in life offsets the slow pace.

Violence: Will and his friends destroy a Tripod with grenades. Huge, ominous Tripods stalk the lead characters, and at one point Will is snatched up by one. Will agonizes over the decisions he must make as he travels on his way.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The White Mountains

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the world the author has created in this book. How would you feel if someone else could control your mind? What makes Will's quest so challenging?

What's the story?

What's the story?
A century from now, humans--living in ignorance of their free past--are subjects of an unseen master race. But one boy's chance meeting with a wandering free man sets him on an odyssey in search of liberty. The story's pace and gravity date it, but the message of the value of free will and self-determination is timeless.

 

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This book has a fascinating premise, and though its pace is slow -- especially for today's young readers, who are used to roller-coaster movie action -- the rewards are great. This is an adventure for thoughtful young people.

The growing realization of the young hero, Will Parker, that he cannot help but reject his docile society, will resonate with passionate young readers who question their own world and their place in it. And his journey is a rite of passage much like adolescence itself. He becomes much more self-aware, but he has his doubts, and at one point he is prepared to settle for easy luxury among the nobility, even if it means abandoning his friends and his quest.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: John Christopher
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: December 31, 1969
Number of pages: 214
Paperback price: $4.99
This review was written by Mark Nichol
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

melowyelowhead
teen, 15 years old
 
A must read book for all ages
This book is a great book about a little romance and great adventure. All kids from 10 to 190 will love this book. A tripods triligy is a great trilogy
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (11) | read my mind (10)
Booklover26
kid, 12 years old
17
 
Very good for anybody
Well at first i thought this book was boring......by judging its cover! This book is very fun to read, and i joust kept going and going until i got to the end!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (11)
boschfanshhh
kid, 12 years old
11
 
I really enjoyed it. It was a book that can be passed down through the families, it has through ours!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (9) | had useful details (8) | read my mind (7)

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