What Is Common Sense Media's Opinion of 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?

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Posted Nov 22, 2022

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Common Sense Media gives Where the Crawdads Sing a four-star rating and calls it a "richly appointed novel." It states that the book is "a heartbreakingly beautiful story told with grace, insight, and tenderness," and that it "transports readers to another place and time."

In their opinion of the novel they note its themes of family, love, loneliness, justice, forgiveness, self-determination, identity and the power of nature. They are most impressed with its characters who are “complicated but eminently likable.” While noting that there is some unsettling content including murder mystery elements as well as language in places. The review concludes with summary saying that overall this title will fascinate readers as it intertwines both beautiful imagery with good storytelling.

It's certainly clear from this opinion that Common Sense Media believes Where the Crawdads Sing is an excellent read for young adult fiction fans!

How does Common Sense Media rate 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?

Where the Crawdads Sing, the critically acclaimed debut novel by Delia Owens, is a deeply affecting and beautiful story about an isolated girl who navigates her way through life in a rural marshland. Common Sense Media has given Where the Crawdads Sing an age-appropriate rating of 12+, noting that there are some mature themes including tragedy and death that might not be suitable for younger viewers.

This rating reflects the book’s hard-hitting subject matter as well as its memorable characters, powerful prose, and vivid setting. While there are potentially distressing elements to this novel—including abandonment, violence, murder, poverty, child neglect—the overall story is ultimately one of resiliency and hope. Readers will find themselves moved by Owens’ touching portrayal of Kya Clark—the young protagonist whose compassionate strength inspires other characters throughout her journey.

Common Sense Media also recognizes that Where the Crawdads Sing offers important messages about fitting into society and working together to strengthen communities even in challenging circumstances. Older children may benefit from considering how Kya deals with prejudice as she attempts to find connection with others against all odds. Additionally poignant is Kya’s perseverance despite being cut off from traditional sources of support—and her voracious appetite for learning even when most doors remain closed to her knowledge pursuits due to poverty or gender constraints.

Ultimately, Where the Crawdads Sing merits its recommendation from Common Sense Media thanks to its poetic prose and meaningful themes accompanied by explicit content in limited but necessary doses so callers can appreciate Delia Owens’ captivating work.

Does Common Sense Media recommend 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?

Yes, Common Sense Media does recommend "Where the Crawdads Sing," an incredibly gripping novel written by Delia Owens. The book follows Kya, a woman living alone in the marshes of North Carolina and her journey as she navigates life among other residents of town and faces a murder charge.

Common Sense Media gives “Where the Crawdads Sing” a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. The review calls it an "engrossing read" that is "beautifully written." Contributors to Common Sense Media say that the story is wonderfully nuanced with plenty of vivid characters and thought-provoking themes like class differences and loss. It's not recommended for younger readers due to some violent scenes, so make sure to properly evaluate if this book is an appropriate read for your age group before you get started!

Overall this book is highly commended from Common Sense Media as an enriching narrative about human relationships amidst tragedy and will leave readers both entertained and moved. If you are looking for a captivating story that dives deep into complex topics then “Where the Crawdads Sing” should be on your radar!

What do parents and educators think about 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?

Where the Crawdads Sing is hands-down one of the most inspiring and captivating works of fiction in recent years. It’s no surprise that parents and educators alike have taken to the novel—its themes of resilience and overcoming adversity, despite whatever odds are stacked against you, are universally relatable.

At its core, Where The Crawdads Sing is a story about defying expectations. This theme resonates deeply with both parents and educators who share a common desire for their children—or students—to reach their highest potentials regardless of any obstacles that may stand in their way. While Kya’s upbringing is certainly not typical, her journey towards self-sufficiency serves as an empowering example for young readers that anything is possible through hard work and determination.

From an educational perspective, Where The Crawdads Sing celebrates many enduring ideals such as exploration of nature, use of creative expression to understand life’s complexities (think Kya writing poetry), resiliency in tough times (Kya remained determined when others write her off), as well as understanding that everyone has something unique to contribute to this world (Kya’s biological father recognizing her scientific contributions). These aspects make it relevant material for classroom discussions--and also provide ample opportunities to converse on how our own choices can bring positive or negative outcomes down the road.

Ultimately, Where The Crawdads Sing offers both parents and educators a unique look into learning lessons outside traditional education; discovering true strength; utilizing artistic pursuits; facing challenges head on; along with showing tremendous perseverance against overwhelming obstacles. It’s these qualities which make this masterpiece timeless because it provides a timeless message about navigating life: no matter what happens around us or what kind of environment we find ourselves in -we can always choose hope over despair if we are brave enough to try something new!

What type of content does Common Sense Media have for 'Where the Crawdads Sing'?

If you're looking for content related to Delia Owens' New York Times bestseller, Where the Crawdads Sing, then Common Sense Media is the place for you. With an in-depth review of Where the Crawdads Sing, Common Sense Media provides age-specific reviews that offer pros and cons about plot details and themes from a kid’s perspective so you can determine if this book is ideal for your family.

They also provide parents with discussion prompts when reading this book with their kids to help parents better understand how children may be feeling when reading different passages throughout the story and what conversations should take place after reading each chapter. Lastly, Common Sense media offers advice on game and media recommendations that incorporate similar themes as those explored in Where the Crawdads Sing so your children can learn more about survival in nature or friendship stories.

Alan Stokes

Writer

Alan Stokes is an experienced article author, with a variety of published works in both print and online media. He has a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and has gained numerous awards for his articles over the years. Alan started his writing career as a freelance writer before joining a larger publishing house.