Tuck Everlasting
By Norah Caroline Piehl,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A timeless and thought-provoking novel.
Add rating
A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this book.
Where to Read
Community Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Do you want to live forever?
Report this review
A Beautiful book!
Report this review
What's the Story?
The Tucks have discovered the Fountain of Youth -- but is it a blessing or a curse? Ten-year-old Winnie must consider this question even as she is kidnapped, witnesses a murder, and assists in a jailbreak. Along the way, the reader is treated to a richly imagined setting that's every bit as memorable as the story.
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about life, death, and the circle of life. Why are stories about the possibility of immortality so popular?
If you could, would you want to live forever?
If you were in Winnie's position, what decision would you make?
Book Details
- Author: Natalie Babbitt
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Friendship , History
- Book type: Fiction
- Publication date: January 1, 1975
- Number of pages: 139
- Last updated: June 10, 2015
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.
Suggest an Update
Where to Read
Our Editors Recommend
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