Questions About Empire of Ivory (Temeraire, #4)

by Naomi Novik (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Empire of Ivory, please sign up.

Answered Questions (2)

Would this series be appropriate for 5th through 8th grade?

Richard That's kind of hard to answer because of the huge range involved, but overall I'd say no. I'd also say that if a kid in that range really wanted to re…moreThat's kind of hard to answer because of the huge range involved, but overall I'd say no. I'd also say that if a kid in that range really wanted to read the series it'd be fine; the only issue is that there'd be a lot that they'd miss and a lot they'd have questions about.

1. The language and culture are outdated and you get more out of the books the more you know about the period's history and culture, so older readers will enjoy them better.

2. The primary themes are heavy stuff about prejudice, slavery, sex, gender, class, etc... told in a subtle and nuanced way through the lens of a character who had barely realized the topics even existed.

3. The story's backbone is some pretty complex interpersonal relationship stuff, even if it is between a random British dude and a polyglot multi-ton flying reptile.

Specifically in terms of "grades," I'd say that this series would make an excellent foundation for a history or civics class aimed at high school or higher. Younger kids can certainly read it, just as there's no harm in them trying to read The Three Musketeers; the only caveat is that it will take that much more work for them to really start extracting the full value from the text.(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Karen

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more