Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Troubles, laughs, good friends in Korman's instant classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
Back in the '80s, an eccentric millionaire obsessed with the Cold War and nuclear warfare built an underground bomb shelter and told no one. When five 13-year-old boys discover it 40 years later, it becomes THE FORT -- where they're soon feasting on 40-year-old canned food and watching Star Wars on videocassette. It's a clubhouse, a haven, a refuge -- which they all need, considering that one's dealing with a violent stepparent and another with the fact that his mom's working three jobs to support them -- while a third's are divorcing and being vicious about it. It's perfect, but can it last?
Is It Any Good?
Gordon Korman's 100th book is an instant classic tale of 8th graders who discover a long-lost bomb shelter and make it their own, with life-changing results. As its young inhabitants take turns telling their story, The Fort offers them a refuge from a lot of relatable problems, from being the new kid in school to getting caught up in a difficult divorce. Teens also face pressure to take up crime and try to avoid abusive adults. But, of course, you can't keep the outside world outside forever – which is where friendship, camaraderie, and occasional support from unexpected quarters comes in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stories like The Fort that involve a secret place (treehouse, clubhouse, cave, etc.) that kids make their own. Why do you think this is a popular theme in storytelling?
Do you like the idea of having your own secret hangout with your friends? What would it be like, and what would you do there if you had the chance?
During the Cold War era, a lot of people built bomb shelters to survive a nuclear attack. Today disaster preparation is still a big deal -- what kind of disasters do people worry about where you live, and what do they do to prepare?
How do the characters demonstrate communication, courage, empathy, and teamwork?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : Friendship , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Empathy , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Scholastic
- Publication date : June 28, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 256
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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