Parents' Guide to Fade

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Common Sense Media Review

By Monica Wyatt , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Dark tale of a good boy misled by temptation.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 12+

Based on 2 kid reviews

What's the Story?

In this supernatural morality tale thirteen-year-old Paul discovers he can become invisible, but quickly learns that it brings only evil to his life. He spies on people and sees shocking things, then kills for revenge. Vowing never to use his power again, he later confronts his long-lost nephew, who uses the power to commit multiple murders. Suspenseful, intense, and disturbing.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say ( 2 ):

FADE offers a subject that intrigues teenagers, who can read it as a simple, dark suspense novel if they wish; however, as is usual with Cormier's books, much more lies below the surface. What child hasn't dreamed of becoming invisible? Robert Cormier explores its consequences in this cautionary tale of a good boy who succumbs to temptation, then repents.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the notion of becoming invisible. What could be come positive consequences of being invisible? What might be some negative results?

Book Details

  • Author : Robert Cormier
  • Genre : Fantasy
  • Book type : Fiction
  • Publisher : Laurel-Leaf
  • Publication date : January 1, 1988
  • Number of pages : 293
  • Last updated : September 23, 2015

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