Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Classic undersea adventure with science-fiction flair.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say this book evokes mixed feelings, with some readers praising its adventure and informative nature, while others criticize its outdated language and excessive detail. The narrative captivates adventure lovers but might be confusing for younger readers, and the presence of violence and lengthy descriptions has drawn scrutiny from some.
- mixed opinions
- adventure and information
- outdated language
- confusion for kids
- excessive detail
- presence of violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Just after the American Civil War, French biologist Pierre Aronnax, accompanied by his faithful assistant Conseil, embark on a voyage in search of a mysterious creature that's been attacking ships around the world. In due course the creature proves to be a submarine, and he, Conseil, and French-Canadian harpooner Ned Land are taken captive by its master, the mysterious Captain Nemo. For many months the trio, prisoners aboard the Nautilus, behold undersea wonders from one end of the globe to another, while learning very little about what dark force drives their captor.
Is It Any Good?
Science-minded kids may love Professor Aronnax's tendency to describe every fish and plant he sees wherever he goes, and trivia-minded ones may love some of the historical tales on the side. Others may wish Verne would just get on with the story. One of the pioneering works of science fiction, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA, first published in 1870, is downright uncanny in the accuracy with which it predicted much technology to come, from submarines to electricity. With many versions in book and movie form over the years (including the 1954 Disney classic), it's become a cultural icon, as has its mysterious Captain Nemo; consider which version may be right for your kids.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Verne, writing just a few years after the Civil War, was able to predict future technology so accurately.
From what you've seen of Captain Nemo, what do you think of him? What do you think is the dark secret in his past, and do you think it justifies the way he lives?
If, like Professor Aronnax, you had the opportunity to make a great voyage of discovery but at the price of your freedom, would you go for it?
Do you like Verne's long descriptions of the exotic fish and sea plants, or would you rather just watch a nature video?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Stephen Armes
- Genre : Science Fiction
- Topics : Adventures , History , Animals ( Ocean Creatures , Wild Animals ) , STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Grosset & Dunlap
- Publication date : October 15, 1996
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 17
- Number of pages : 432
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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