Levi Pierpont
asked:
Would you read this out loud to a seven-year-old? Ten-year-old? Thirteen-year-old?
To answer questions about
News of the World,
please sign up.
Victoria
I could see this being pretty disturbing to a child -- taken from parents who are killed in the process, indication of others wanting to purchase her as a sex slave, physical and emotional abuse by aunt and uncle, separation from the kind grandfather figure who is risking his life to do what is right, reference to scalping, and more. It may depend on how imaginative the child in question is, but I would definitely say this is an adult book. (For what it's worth, my work is in mental health and have worked with children, trauma, etc.)
Robin Tzucker
Definitely an adult book, as Marilyn says. Both in the style of writing as well as content. And while I might consider reading it with a 13 year old, I wouldn't with a younger child.
Marilyn
No, not a child. The grammar and syntax are so ornate and the topic is very scary -- that of a child who was taken from her parents after seeing them butchered, then adjusted to life with the Kiowa, and then was "bought back" by an aunt and uncle who do not care about her. An adult book in both content and delivery.
Tressa
Yes. I'm a prude when it comes to what I think young children should be exposed to in literature, but I don't remember any "bad" parts in this book that would be considered too vulgar or violent for young kids.
Angela
I'm not sure I would read to those ages. There are so many good books out there, that this one I think is more for adults. You could read "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" or "Bud, Not Buddy" or any number of kids books. I guess if you really wanted to, you could read it, but I know during the gun fight while I was listening to the book on CD, my heart was racing and it was very dramatic, a 7 year old (depending on how sensitive they are) may be scared.
Chris
It is not a book for a younger audience because some parts are too sad and disturbing and they don't have the skills to process this yet. I think it would be a great book for high school students who are studying American History. A great book for a interdisciplinary English/History
class.
class.
Judy Lindow
No. Just because a book can be read well aloud and it is not vulgar or especially violent, does not make it developmentally appropriate for children. I think high school students could read this. It would be a good shared reading. Because there's a lot of interesting vocabulary, concepts and history. It's not an easy book. I don't think a child would "get" (understand) the beauty of the writing. The story may not be 'violent' in the way a video game or TV show is violent, however the idea of family being killed off, being kidnapped, escaping and on the run constantly, not being wanted - could be more disturbing for someone who understands what's happening.
Ann
Maybe 7 is too young as it's a tough story, but a mature 10 year old might be ok and identify with the 10 year-old character. I have recommended this to my 12 year-old.
Judy
As a thirteen-year-old I would have had no trouble with this story. I think it depends on the child.
Tracey
I would not hesitate to read this to a 13 year old. I did not find the language of the book difficult to read aloud at all, instead found it leant itself well to reading out loud.
Joan
3/19/2022 yes I would definitely read the story to a 11 or 12 year old, I think she would really like it maybe if you could disguise your voice a little bit to make it dramatic. I saw the DVD and listen to the audio I do not think she would enjoy it reading it herself,
Joan from MA
Joan from MA
Cary Cotterman
There's no rational reason why a child of any age can't hear this book. For that matter, why does any kid have to have it read out loud? It's always better to read a book yourself. I could have, when I was seven. It wouldn't have disturbed me, but I probably wouldn't have picked up on all the emotional subtleties. At ten or thirteen any kid should be able to read "News of the World" him or herself with a lot of empathy. An adult, of course, will get the most out of it. Now that I'm in my late sixties I really understand what the Captain is going through emotionally and psychologically, which might not have had as much impact on me when I was in my thirties.
Dee
Definitely not a seven year old and probably not a 10 year old. A mature pre-teen would probably be fine. I have a 12 year old granddaughter who would love it (and not be disturbed by it!)
Kathy
I'm a mother of 5 children. I would say in general I recommend this book for 12 and up to be read out loud, one on one, with an adult who is willing to answer questions. You should consider the maturity, history, and emotional health of your intended child audience carefully. I would not recommend this book to children who have had violent trauma in their lives or have been separated from parents, or whose parents were killed. There is some violence, including a gun battle and a mention of scalping. There was no profanity that I remember. Nothing too gruesome, but the description of the how the parents and sister were killed is not pleasant.
Absolutely not a book for a 7 year old. A child that age won't grasp the intent of the story and most 7 year olds would be frightened by the premise of losing their parents. Could possibly be read to a very mature 10 year old by an adult.
I would not read this book to a class younger than high school, for the simple reason that you won't know the history of everyone in the class and the trauma it might unearth... similar to having a child who had a near drowning study the results of the Titanic disaster. Could cause nightmares if read to the wrong child.
Absolutely not a book for a 7 year old. A child that age won't grasp the intent of the story and most 7 year olds would be frightened by the premise of losing their parents. Could possibly be read to a very mature 10 year old by an adult.
I would not read this book to a class younger than high school, for the simple reason that you won't know the history of everyone in the class and the trauma it might unearth... similar to having a child who had a near drowning study the results of the Titanic disaster. Could cause nightmares if read to the wrong child.
Kathee
The reason there are few mothers in fairy tales is because, to a child, losing your mother is the worst thing that could happen. I would not share this book to a child under 12. It would feed the deep, hidden, unrealized fear children have about losing their parents.
Phill
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Lesa
answer vary so much here. I liked this book. I would read it yourself and decide. Every kid is different and has different sensibilities. I love the fighting off of the bad guys, it reminds me of True Grit, an older man bonding with a young girl to help and protect her.
Norma
I would edit out some parts with a paraphrase and the language even for children older than ten. Otherwise would not recommend it for kids.
Erin King
Very appropriate for all kids. They might find the language a bit challenging if they are in early elementary, but what a great time and topic to discuss.
Linda
There is a scene where three men attempt to buy the girl as a sex slave, although probably not that exact term. And a shoot out results.
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