Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, violent story of sexually abused kidnapped girl.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Parents say this book is highly controversial, with strong reactions ranging from finding it deeply disturbing due to its graphic content to praising it for its powerful message regarding abuse and survival. While some recommend it for older teens and mature readers who can handle its themes, many parents and adults caution against its appropriateness for young readers due to its explicit portrayal of violence and lack of a redemptive storyline.
- graphic content
- age-appropriate
- powerful message
- controversial reactions
- disturbing themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
What's the Story?
In LIVING DEAD GIRL, Alice is kidnapped at age 10 by Ray, a violent sexual predator and murderer who keeps her as his captive for five years. Physically, sexually, and psychologically abused, she can't escape without risking the lives of her family, whom Ray has threatened to kill. Now that Alice is 15 -- the same age as the previous "Alice" that Ray killed because she was too old for his sexual fantasies -- she hopes for death and agrees to help Ray capture a 6-year-old girl to take her place.
Is It Any Good?
This relentlessly violent novel about a sexual predator and murderer and his teen captive is a tough book to read. It explores the mind of a sadistic child abuser and shows what it's like to be an abducted victim of sexual violence. Living Dead Girl may accurately capture the psychological hell a girl goes through when she's savagely abused day in and day out. And Alice is a compelling, memorable character, who shows resilience in the face of extraordinary brutality and terror. It's best for mature readers who can bear an intense, horrifying story.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the message of Living Dead Girl is. Why do you think the author wrote it?
Have you heard about anything in the news that reminds you of this story?
Why do you think rape is categorized as violence rather than sex?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon Pulse
- Publication date : September 2, 2008
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 16 - 16
- Number of pages : 170
- Last updated : September 26, 2024
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