What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this book, set in the Middle East
of old, presents some vastly different ideas about women's
roles than readers are accustomed to. A woman is sentenced to a
stoning for having a relationship with someone other than her
husband; The stoning is not shown but we know when it will take
place. There are also threats of violence, imprisonment, and
someone is poisoned, but survives.
Families can talk about other cultures and what customs are different and similar. Why do you think gender roles differ so much in different cultures, even today? Parents can also talk about the importance of family and communication. Why did Julia feel estranged from her father? Why did her father not take her thoughts and opinions seriously? How did Julia grow throughout the book?
Common Sense Media Review
National Book Award winner Gloria Whelan tells a classic,
enjoyable tale of spies, mystery, adventure, and romance in
PARADE OF SHADOWS.
Whelan's pace throughout the book mirrors the pace of teen heroine Julia's adventure. At times the book speeds through the ancient streets of the Ottoman Empire. Other times it plods along through the desert. Even when the pace slows down, the layered characters and glimpses at their hidden agendas keep things interesting.
Even though Julia is rather sheltered, she begins to catch on to the true nature of almost everyone -- though at times readers will jump up and down in frustration at her moments of blind trust. Readers will never want her to feel too comfortable since suspense and suspicion are everywhere.
As a bonus, Parade of Shadows is peppered with detailed historical references. It's kind of like a sneaky history lesson disguised as fun. There's even a ride on the famed Orient Express!
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
