Parents' Guide to

Tunes for Bears to Dance To

By Monica Wyatt, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Compelling, simple story with an emotional wallop.

Book Robert Cormier Coming of Age 1992
Tunes for Bears to Dance To Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

canash12
canash12 Adult
July 15, 2015
age 14+

Disappointing

This book was a required reading by school. I think it has a lot of content to deal with that someone, under the age of 14, may have trouble processing. (racism, death, manipulation etc.) My child is only 12 . I would like more books that empower our children with information that can really move them in a positive direction. I felt this book does not do this. Again, my opinion ;)
1 person found this helpful.
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

After World War II, Henry's father cannot work, and his mother scratches out a living as a waitress. The boy's prejudiced employer tells Henry to destroy an art project created by an elderly Holocaust survivor, or else he will fire Henry and have his mother fired. Henry must learn how to fight the evil man in this short but compelling morality tale.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1):
Kids say (2):

Robert Cormier's simplest book tackles his major theme, evil, with an easy story suitable for readers younger than his usual audience. The brevity of the story helps intensify its impact on readers.

This beautifully written novel will give you and your children a lot to think and talk about. It is short enough that it doesn't intimidate most reluctant readers, and tells a story compelling enough to interest adults. It's an excellent introduction to Cormier's longer and more difficult works.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the notion of evil. In what forms does evil appear in the story? How are these evils combated?

Book Details

  • Author: Robert Cormier
  • Genre: Coming of Age
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
  • Publication date: January 1, 1992
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 14
  • Number of pages: 101
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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