Parents' Guide to

Tuck Everlasting

By Norah Caroline Piehl, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

A timeless and thought-provoking novel.

Tuck Everlasting Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 9+

Based on 9 parent reviews

age 12+

Do you want to live forever?

This is a great little story with a realistic look at what it would be like to live forever, something many ignorantly desire. It's actually quite a sweet story about a series of unfortunate events. I don't know if the characters are particularly good role models, but Tuck and Mae do have an interesting perspective that only their situation could create and they have good intentions. The story is a bit slow in the beginning, but it's worth pushing through. I recommend this book. Final comment: I disagree with the pedophile comments made by some people. The pursuit of the 10-yr-old girl by a 17-yr-old boy should be into the context of the story. He is in no way trying to engage a 10 year old in a sexual relationship. *spoiler alert* He is trying to convince her to choose to become an immortal when she turns 17 and spend eternity with him. Think of why he is doing it? He's stuck being 17-year-old (physically and mentally), forever, and forever alone. He can't reveal his secret to anyone else and she's the only person to know the family secret. She could be his only chance to not be alone forever, and she is a likable girl that gets along with the whole family. It's still creepy, but there is a moral behaviour behind it. He wants this to be her choice. Imagine if he turned some 17-year-old girl without her consent? How do you get that without revealing a secret you are sworn to protect? If he told someone, and they rejected his offer, what then? It's definitely a situation we couldn't really understand. Like I say, it is creepy, but I feel that this situation does NOT promote Pedo behaviour like some people state.

This title has:

Educational value
age 10+

A Beautiful book!

I'm an eighth grader and had to read this book for school - It was beautiful and emotional- the descriptions were very detailed, bringing the story to life. I loved the plot and you can really feel the connection with the characters! This book really makes you think about the pros and cons about eternal life in a meaningful way. I loved it and really recommend it!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (9 ):
Kids say (64 ):

This is such a timeless story that kids who miss the context clues might be surprised to discover at the end of the book that it's set in the 1880s. In many ways, the story is a fairy tale, with a magical spring, a kidnapped heroine, an enchanted handsome prince, and even a bittersweet ending. Natalie Babbitt's eloquent descriptions of woods, ponds, and animals elevate the novel from mere story to a lyrical meditation on the natural order. The dog days of summer, when the earth cracks and lighting flashes without thunder, are described with exquisite clarity; cows, fish, and even one of the most memorable toads in children's literature are given personality and respect.

This is a wonderful book to read with children who have experienced the death of an older relative. Children will be eager to discuss Winnie's life-or-death decision.

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.

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