Common Sense Media Review
Magical adventure has stereotypes, offensive language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a magical journey that captures the essence of childhood and the bittersweet nature of growing up, with some reviewers expressing both admiration and discomfort regarding the darker themes and language used throughout the story. While many loved the nostalgia and whimsy, others noted concerning elements, such as violence and potentially inappropriate language, suggesting that it might not be suitable for younger audiences without adult guidance.
- magical journey
- darker themes
- language concerns
- nostalgia and whimsy
- adult guidance suggested
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In J.M. Barrie's PETER PAN, Peter flies through the window of the Darling nursery in search of his shadow. He meets Wendy, Michael, and John, teaches them to fly, and leads them to the home of the Lost Boys in Neverland so that Wendy can be all of the boys' new mother. There, among pirates, Native Americans, mermaids, and wild animals, the children have exciting adventures. However, Captain Hook and his band of pirates are determined to wipe out the Lost Boys, especially the cocky Peter Pan. Hook plans to kidnap the boys and Wendy, poison Peter, and make the boys walk the plank while Wendy watches. It will take equal parts magic and courage for the Darling children to make their escape and find their way back home to London.
Is It Any Good?
This classic fantasy is full of thrilling adventures that spark children's imaginations, but some of the attitudes and language in J.M. Barrie's masterpiece are dated and offensive. Peter Pan is richly complex, inspiring moments of humor, pity, sadness, excitement, and fear. Another fascinating aspect of this novel is the fact that the author occasionally breaks the "fourth wall" by inserting himself into the story. For example, he writes of trying to decide whether to let Mrs. Darling know in a dream that her children are on their way home. This aspect of the book -- along with the archaic ideas and language about gender roles and indigenous people -- make the novel a great subject for home or classroom discussion, as well as an exciting and magical childhood fantasy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Peter Pan sparks the imagination. Do you wish you could fly? Do you wish you could have adventures like the Darling children and fight with pirates?
Have you seen the Disney movie of Peter Pan? How are the book and the movie different from each other?
What do you think about the way Native Americans are shown and discussed in the book?
In this book, what does it mean to be a mother? Would you like to have a mother like Wendy or Mrs. Darling?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Pirates
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperFestival
- Publication date : December 27, 1904
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 9 - 12
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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