Parents' Guide to

Cinders & Sapphires: At Somerton, Book 1

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

First in fun series is like a Downton Abbey for teens.

Book Leila Rasheed Historical Fiction 2013
Cinders & Sapphires: At Somerton, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

thaliag
thaliag Adult
August 16, 2015
age 12+

I Love This Book!

Please read!!! People just be like, "This book is from the last century, sooo boring" but give it a try! I honestly thought that this book was hideous, but now I won't stop reading it! I'm looking foward to buying the other books. Can you give me some money so I can buy them? Just kidding! But yeah, this book is perfection. I just thought that some words were kinda inappropriate for 12 years olds. But THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF MY REVIEW! Don't stop reading please! Does someone know when the movie is coming out? Inbox me if you think you know. Thank you very much!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

When Ada returns with her family from India to England, her life changes dramatically: Not only does she meet (and kiss!) and Indian student she meets on the ship, but she's about to get a new stepfamily. As she prepares to enter Society, she must keep her romance a secret, especially from her conniving, competitive stepsister Charlotte. In the meantime, she strikes up a sort of friendship with her sweet maid Rose, even encouraging her to pursue her musical talents. But then one night she pushes Rose to make a decision that changes the young maid's life forever.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

Readers who like descriptions of English countryside manors, romance, fancy dresses, and conversations full of double meanings will find plenty to like in this breathless first installment. CINDERS & SAPPHIRES is a bit overstuffed with scandal, but the pronounced plotting will keep the pages turning -- and ensure that readers stay hungry for the next book in the series. While they're waiting for the publication of Book 2, teens will have plenty to talk and think about, including how much has changed since 1910 -- and how they would have fought for their own dreams in such a highly managed society.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what life was like at the turn of the 20th century. How is your life different from Ada's or Rose's? Would you want to live during that time? What would you have liked? What would you have hated?

  • Do the characters' actions regarding race, gender, class, and sexuality seem realistic to you, given the time period? Do you think the world has become a fairer place since 1910?

  • What's fun about reading a series, vs. a stand-alone book? Why do you think there are so many young-adult series published today?

Book Details

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