Matt Berman

1 month ago | commonsensemedia.org | Matt Berman

age 13+ Powerful, moving tale of book-loving girl in Nazi Germany. Parents need to know that Markus Zusak's The Book Thief is a powerful portrayal of life in Nazi Germany before and during World War II, especially as it was experienced by German kids. Main character Leisel is taken in by foster parents in a small town after her younger brother dies. Death serves as both a character and the narrator, and figures in the plot.

1 month ago | popularmechanics.com | Matt Berman

Modern warfare is undergoing a profound transformation. While traditional combat still relies on missiles, tanks, and drones, a quieter, more insidious battlefield is emerging, one that can disable enemy forces without a single explosion. Among the main weapons of this stealthy form of battle are electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and high-powered microwaves (HPM), both of which can disrupt or even permanently damage electronic equipment.

2 months ago | commonsensemedia.org | Matt Berman

age 12+ Thrilling, violent tale of dog's survival in 1890s Alaska. Parents need to know that Jack London's classic novel The Call of the Wild was originally published in 1903. It traces the journey of a dog named Buck from domestic family life to pulling sleds during the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s, and then heeding the pull of his natural instincts to return to the wild.

2 months ago | commonsensemedia.org | Matt Berman

age 15+ Graphic portrayal of homelessness; best for older teens. Parents need to know that this book about inner-city life is a better fit for older teens. Tyrell does his best to help his family and keep his younger brother out of foster care, but his story is full of gritty details. Indeed, Tyrell is loaded with sex, language, and drugs, all of which are engaged in by the main character, who is 15.

Jan 21, 2025 | commonsensemedia.org | Matt Berman

age 9+ A moving, funny, lyrical tale with big appeal. Parents need to know that the main character is a good-hearted kid who endures cruel treatment from his classmates for being a "loser." The upside is that he's an utterly loveable hero, and there's so much to discuss here that a family, or a class, could spend days talking it over, which is why it's already a favorite with discussion groups.