Common Sense Media Review
A swashbuckling high-seas adventure.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 7 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say the book offers an engaging backstory for Peter Pan, blending action, magic, and adventure, though some find it contains unnecessary innuendos and violence that may not be suitable for younger children. Many appreciate its ability to captivate readers and foster a love of reading, despite concerns about mature themes and complex vocabulary that could confuse younger audiences.
- engaging backstory
- action-packed
- maturity concerns
- fosters love of reading
- suitable for older kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Peter and four other orphans are taken aboard a rickety old ship, the Never Land, to be delivered as servants to the evil king of Rundoon. Also on board the ship is Molly, daughter of the British Ambassador to Rundoon, and a mysterious trunk filled with a special treasure. The feared pirate Captain Black Stache knows there's a valuable treasure on board, though he doesn't know what it is. Peter befriends Molly and finds out that she and her father are Starcatchers, members of a centuries-old secret society that protects humanity by making sure that evil people don't get their hands on starstuff, magical material that falls from the stars and changes the nature of everything it touches. Through storm, treachery, and shipwreck, Peter, Molly, and the boys end up on an island with the treasure, the pirates, fierce natives, the villainous first mate of the Never Land, mermaids created by the starstuff, and a giant crocodile. While Peter and Molly try to get the starstuff for the Starcatchers, everyone else is battling to get it for themselves.
Is It Any Good?
This is prequel to the classic Peter Pan story is an exciting adventure by humor columnist Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. The co-authors make some good choices at the outset. They do not attempt, in style, plot, or atmosphere, to mimic J.M. Barrie's masterpiece. Instead, they cleverly create and bring together almost all of the characters and elements of the original: pirates, natives (no longer Indians), lost boys, mermaids, fairies, the crocodile, fairy dust, flying, not growing up, and the enchanted island itself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Peter and the Starcatchers has in common with Peter Pan. How is it similar, and where does it differ? Which do you like better, and why?
What are the book's major themes?
Do you think not growing up is a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Illustrator : Greg Call
- Genre : Fantasy
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Hyperion Books for Children
- Publication date : September 26, 2004
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 10 - 14
- Number of pages : 451
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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