Preteen girl looking at a cell phone with her parents

Personalized picks at your fingertips

Get the mobile app on iOS and Android

Get the app
Parents' Guide to

James and the Giant Peach

By Barbara Schultz, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Lonely boy's magical adventure still satisfies.

Book Roald Dahl Fantasy 1961
James and the Giant Peach Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all
age 9+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Mountainlover
Mountainlover Adult
October 26, 2020
age 13+

Sad

Depressing and negative. They don't need to see that
teacherparentsuperwoman
teacherparentsuperwoman Parent of 8-year-old
October 13, 2019
age 12+

More swear words and mature concepts than I expected

Characters call each other "you ass" and say "don't be an ass" many, many timea throughout this book! Also, the abuse and neglect James experiences at the hands of his aunts is ongoing foe many chapters at the beginning of the book. The aunts are killed as well. Also, there is one line that unnecessarily mentions nationality in a derogatory way "I'd rather be fried and eaten by a Mexican!" Just things to be aware of in choosing this book, especially if you've only seen the movie.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When young James Henry Trotter is orphaned, he must leave his pleasant home by the seaside and go to live with two cruel aunts, Sponge and Spiker, who treat him like a slave. One day, an old man appears, offering James a bag of crystals that he says will make marvelous things happen. The old man's magic causes a dead peach tree to grow a piece of fruit the size of a house, and that is the start of James' fantastic adventure.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (18 ):

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH is a delightful children's novel full of adventure and singular characters. As in many of the great Roald Dahl's works, the central character is a poor, deprived child, and seeing James Henry Trotter rise from his lowly state to become a leader with true friends is immensely satisfying. Dahl also weaves funny singsong poetry into his fantastical tale, which helps make the book wonderful to read aloud.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how at first the insects inside the peach frighten James, but he quickly learns to see past their unusual looks and makes friends. Also, each of the insects has a particular talent. What is special about each one? Which one is your favorite?

  • James' aunts are very cruel to him. Kids' books often have villains who are mean to the main character. Why do you think that is? What does it do to the story?

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Related Topics

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate