Common Sense Media Review
Classic story has lost none of its joy and power.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a sweet, heartwarming classic filled with well-developed characters and a beautiful setting that appeals to readers of all ages. While some may find it slightly confusing due to its older language, it is generally easy to enjoy, with positive messages and a pleasant reading experience that makes it suitable for family reading time.
- heartwarming classic
- well written
- positive messages
- suitable for kids
- family reading
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Orphaned Heidi is taken to live with her grandfather, a grumpy hermit. But the bond of love that grows between them is disrupted when Heidi is taken to live in the city as a companion to an invalid girl.
Is It Any Good?
Heidi's life on the mountain is so joyous, and vividly portrayed that kids may end up dreaming of such a life. There's a reason this book has stayed in print for more than 140 years.
Her misery in the city, during the middle third of the book, is vivid as well, and readers will long with Heidi to get back to the healthy, sun-filled mountains. The final portion, with the healing of Clara, is, despite its predictability, exciting and moving. The rock-solid values the author espouses may seem simple and old-fashioned today, but you may find yourself longing for them again -- and immersing your child in them can only be healthy. This theme of the healing power of nature and optimism was a favorite in an earlier era. This classic story has lost none of its joy and power, but its slow pace and old-fashioned spirit is not for everyone. Young readers who have the temperament and experience to read or listen to a story of this length and pacing will be rewarded.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about learning from experience in Heidi. What does Heidi learn when she first goes up the mountain?
How does Heidi respond to the city, and how is she different when she returns to the mountains?
Have you seen any of the film versions of Heidi? How do they compare with the book?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Literary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : January 1, 1880
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 285
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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