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Michael Donnelly
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Anne
It is a good read for kids. I read and enjoyed it when I was age 12 and read it purely as a story about animals. A knowledge of politics and satire is not a prerequisite for enjoyment of Animal Farm. It is satirical, it is political, but at the same time its a great story.
Marianne
This was required reading when I was in 8th grade back in the 1970s and I'd say it's a good age (12-14) to have kids read this but only if accompanied by a good curriculum to get the most out of it. I remember being asked to define and give examples "propaganda" and "bandwagon" as well as many other important words and social/political concepts. Animal Farm is an excellent teaching tool for introducing children to totalitarianism and the methods used by governments to gain control over a population as well as how the population contributes to the demise of their own freedom.
Thomas
I would say no simply because they would not understand the satire and representation of it. A kid may like the story but anyone who actually understands what the symbolism in the entire novel is will love the book.
Kieran
It's an excellent read for children. It introduces them to satire, allegory and propaganda, in an easily digestible format. Understanding these concepts is not a pre-requisite for the book, they can be uncovered and understood along the way.
That said, if you are speaking of children ages 4, 5, 6 who are still just beginning to learn how to read, no it's not suitable. If you mean older children, 11, 12 then you're at the right age mark. You didn't stipulate this in your question so I felt the need to clarify it here.
A 12 year old is perfectly capable of beginning to grasp concepts like Democracy, Totalitarianism or Autocracies or Capitalism-Communism-Socialism, and this book is also a great way to introduce these concepts as well.
The book easily lends itself to multiple levels of interpretation and depth, it can be revisited at a later stage for further understanding or as a primer for '1984', which can be read when they're older.
That said, if you are speaking of children ages 4, 5, 6 who are still just beginning to learn how to read, no it's not suitable. If you mean older children, 11, 12 then you're at the right age mark. You didn't stipulate this in your question so I felt the need to clarify it here.
A 12 year old is perfectly capable of beginning to grasp concepts like Democracy, Totalitarianism or Autocracies or Capitalism-Communism-Socialism, and this book is also a great way to introduce these concepts as well.
The book easily lends itself to multiple levels of interpretation and depth, it can be revisited at a later stage for further understanding or as a primer for '1984', which can be read when they're older.
Zoë
It's a little disturbing, and honestly age 12+ is probably most appropriate for this book. However, a person may need to be of a higher maturity/age group to understand the allegorical messages of this novel.
Brenley
That depends entirely on the child's age and understanding of literature.
Emily
I'm 12 and I just read it. It's fine.
Mis Haisoj
Originally George Orwell wanted the book in the adult section, but many book stores put them in the children section. George was horrified by this so he requested the book stores to put the book in the adult section also.
As a result, it is considered both a children's read and adult's read
As a result, it is considered both a children's read and adult's read
Isabella Hill
Um maybe, but the book is way more interesting if you know about politics.
NorikoY
Yes, but don't expect full understanding.
If a child reads this now, he/she will understand it in their own way.
And in later life, re-read, and understand the novel differently.
If a child reads this now, he/she will understand it in their own way.
And in later life, re-read, and understand the novel differently.
Katelynn Balcom
NO! It's too confusing, even for me 17, it was really hard to follow. The content is hard to understand if you've never experienced those types of governmental standards. There is a lot of gore and unfairness throughout the entire book. I would not recommend it for anyone under the age of 15, mainly because of content.
If your kids DO read it, make sure you read it with them, so they can understand everything and not be left in the dark. it's a harder read than it is in audiobook format, so if you are going to read it, do it in audiobook format and read along
If your kids DO read it, make sure you read it with them, so they can understand everything and not be left in the dark. it's a harder read than it is in audiobook format, so if you are going to read it, do it in audiobook format and read along
Katherine Coolage
Maybe, but I think the political context of the book should be made clear before it is given to them. I picked it up at the secondhand store when I was ten figuring it was like Warrior Cats, but for the more advanced reading demographic that I was just beginning to transition into. Imagine my surprise! I was up pretty much the whole night crying.
I think that some younger children (say, eight and up) can handle this book, but should really be given warnings about not all stories ending happily. Reading Animal Farm should be at their discretion, not their parents' urging, because some of the themes are disturbing. I don't think this should be required reading for anyone below high school age, and where it is required reading, it should be discussed in the historical context in which it was written.
I think that some younger children (say, eight and up) can handle this book, but should really be given warnings about not all stories ending happily. Reading Animal Farm should be at their discretion, not their parents' urging, because some of the themes are disturbing. I don't think this should be required reading for anyone below high school age, and where it is required reading, it should be discussed in the historical context in which it was written.
Timothy Morrison
For baby goats? Who knows? For children? It may be too technical
Ioana Savin
It depends on the age. Keep in mind that violence and death are described in the book. Avoid those parts or read it to the kids (if you haven't done it already) when they are a little older. Also, I would advise you to introduce them to the dictatorships' ideologies before starting the read.
Amarshalla
Of course it is. I first read it as a child and going back to it after a while, figuring out what was all about was fascinating
Kieran Barker
Thomas- I read it when I was 11 and 12 and LOVED it, not only because it was a great story, but because, after some reflection I decided it was based around Communist Russia, with Snowball being Trotsky, Napoleon being Stalin, etc. I had a great knowledge of history.
Emma
No the reading level is good for someone 13 or older, but the maturity level is much higher. It helps to have someone explain certain parts. That is why it is a high school book.
Katie
I think that children should be a little bit older to understand the full allegory of the novel. They wouldn't quite be able to grasp the full Soviet Revolution concept yet.
A
Only if you read along to share light on the historical facts. Afterall this is a book about Stalin. Otherwise this may turn in a reading about a farm...and nothing more, still there are lessons to be taken away even so.
Agustín Martínez
Animal Farm is a perfect book for children; perfect for beginning to understand the dangers of populism and political propaganda.
Reaiona.Taylor
I feel like its good for kids to read this book because its a story about animals and its knowledge of politics and it introduces them to satire and if they read it now they would have there own understanding of the book like they would look at the words differently but later on in life when there older and they reread this book they would really understand what the author is trying to say in this book
Lucy Hampton
What would you do if you were underfed, mistreated and overworked? In Animal Farm, farm animals rebel against their drunken, cruel owner, and take over the farm. This novel is most definitely worth reading. 1. ) Old Major, an old wise boar, has a dream of a rebellion. Once he delivers an inspirational speech that sparks hope in the hearts of other animals, they kick Jones out. The animals are finally able to live in peace! Until the pigs slowly begin to rise in power. The pigs are very clever, and use language to deceive, manipulate, and control the other animals. The book's theme, “Language Is Dangerous” is constantly used when Squealer, a conniving pig deceives the other animals into doing what the pigs tell them to do. Seven commandments are made on the farm to ensure all animals are equal, but the pigs manipulate the animals so they do not realize they are being deceived. The themes in this book are portrayed magnificently. 2.) The narrative style and simplicity of the literature makes the novel easy to understand. The character's dialogue is always straight to the point and never bores the reader. Every character is given a vivid personality and it's always delightful to read. This novel's narrative style is distinctive compared to George Orwell's other books, and should be read by every student at least once.
Karol Barberena
Por mi parte lo leí a los 12 años y fue realmente entretenido c:
cole
It depends on the age - I had only read it around the age of 13 or 14, so I had a better understanding of what it was actually pertaining to.
Olivia (Saya)
I'd say there isn't any mature content per se (other than mild violence,) but the only thing I'd warn is that young kids may not be able to appreciate it to its fullest or understand the intricate symbolism. It's usually best for those who have some background knowledge about the Russian Revolution. In fact, the story would be more scary for those who understand it as they would know how what happens relates to real-life and human nature.
Vithika
Kids can read it but it is not a childern's book. it is meant for all ages
Sean Bigari
Yes. It is a good dread for kids. I read it to them everyday, although I need time to feed them. 144 kids are too much too handle. I let my dogs read it as well, and currently I am forming a nation with my kids so they must learn what this book means. I will call the nation "kid nation 2" as I know all sequels are obviously better than the prequel
David Ayinde
A great book by George Orwell. It is a Satire about the Russian Revolution.
Jialin Mao
It is definitely good for kids as in older aged children but for young children, absolutely not. I remember watching the movie as a seven year old and being traumatized.
Oscar
no bitch because my school at alabama better and that that book has too many gore like shit
Valeria Alvarado
How would you react if you were not having the same equal rights or getting manipulated? I would react in a mean way because everybody should have the same equal rights and to not get manipulated.
I feel like this is a good book because it talks about manipulation. Napoleon manipulates the animals and makes them believe things that are not true or he says he's going to do something for the animals but he doesn't do it because he wants everything for him "Comrade Napoleon is always right maxims he said which every animal would do well to adopt at his own."(126)
It's a good book because you can you can talk to people about the book so they can see that everybody is equal, "All the animal are equal but some are more equal than others."(134) they can show this book to other people since some people in this world go through the same thing, and go through manipulation.
In animal farm others may say that Animal farm is not a good book to read or to recommend but i think Animal Farm is a good book to recommend because it gives enough evidence, in my perspective I would recommend the book.
I feel like this is a good book because it talks about manipulation. Napoleon manipulates the animals and makes them believe things that are not true or he says he's going to do something for the animals but he doesn't do it because he wants everything for him "Comrade Napoleon is always right maxims he said which every animal would do well to adopt at his own."(126)
It's a good book because you can you can talk to people about the book so they can see that everybody is equal, "All the animal are equal but some are more equal than others."(134) they can show this book to other people since some people in this world go through the same thing, and go through manipulation.
In animal farm others may say that Animal farm is not a good book to read or to recommend but i think Animal Farm is a good book to recommend because it gives enough evidence, in my perspective I would recommend the book.
rafia
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Alejandro Martinez
I am currently 14 years old and I just now finished reading "Animal Farm".
Seeing as many will consider me a "kid" or "adolescent"; The book can be enjoyed thoroughly, whether or not there are gruesome scenes and extreme emphasize on real political issues. I personally enjoyed seeing Napoleon, (clearly a representation of some form of Stalin) rise up through several loopholes and the most simplest situation, such as a farm, be taken advantage of and used for self greed. Too bad Snowball's world never came to be.
Seeing as many will consider me a "kid" or "adolescent"; The book can be enjoyed thoroughly, whether or not there are gruesome scenes and extreme emphasize on real political issues. I personally enjoyed seeing Napoleon, (clearly a representation of some form of Stalin) rise up through several loopholes and the most simplest situation, such as a farm, be taken advantage of and used for self greed. Too bad Snowball's world never came to be.
Sonny Hayes
Read it to my kids, 4 and 9.
Tijen
Kids may not understand the terms of the book. It may help if you read it to them. It is a great book for anyone 13 and up.
Morgan
I read this book when I was 13 years old and I loved it. I understood the underlying theme of the story and I had fun reading it. If I had read the book when I was any younger than that, then I wouldn't have understood it as well. If you want your kid to read it and understand it, then I suggest that kids 12+ should read it. It's not a little kids' book like the title may suggest. It is definetely meant for a more mature audience.
Kristin Eoff
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Stefan
No,Its not story for kids.
Fay
Yes. I read it as a child and learned more from it than virtually any other book. You won't have to interpret it -- the kid will understand enough. Knowledge of communism or Russian revolution is completely unnecessary because the book applies to all people and times. And it's fun to read. As far as reading level, depends on the child but I'll guess best for ages 10 or 11 and up.
Abdelhakim Elamin
not for kids if you want a wicked boy
Nursima
no ,
it is not only for children
kids are can't understand what the book give for their own
it is not only for children
kids are can't understand what the book give for their own
Angie Zheng
There are some words that kids would not understand.
Harsha
IMHO, I don't think this is a book meant for children; It's allegorical. But there is nothing in it which will make it a 'bad' read for kids.
Richa Awasthy
I don't think it is meant for children. Let them be innocent rather than dragging them to the world of political satire and revolution.
Joseph
It could be for children, depending on their age. They wouldn't necessarily have to understand the book is satirical, but it would be quite distressing for younger children when animals are killed.
Andreea
Not at all. It would turn in a story about a farm.
Ye Aung
can be a goodread.but best read after knowing the satire not to disappear the essence of the book.
Adam
More likely not
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Jan 18, 2017 10:52AM · flag