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Beauty

By Robin McKinley
Level 7
Review:

This ALA Notable Children’s Book, first published in 1978, is a delightful retelling of the classic tale “Beauty and the Beast.” Robin McKinley took the outline of the fairy tale and let her imagination create a totally original version that I thought was much more enlightening, believable, and complex than the Disney version. The ironically named heroine in the story, Beauty, is not beautiful! But she is intelligent and kindhearted. The adventure begins when her family is forced to move into the country to more humble circumstances. I loved the beautiful writing, warm and admirable characters, compelling plot, and positive messages about family, courage, love, kindness, love of learning, and true beauty.

Note: this book contains one use of the “d***” word on page 6 that some may consider to be profanity.

(Reviewed by Jenny Phillips)

Genre Fiction
Digital Format Audiobook, E-book
  • Contains Magic
  • E-Book
  • Top Picks
  • 5 Entertainment Value
  • 4.5 Moral Value
  • 3 Educational Value
  • 5 Literary Value
Rating System

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Entertainment Value

All books on our list are chosen to be engaging, but books that rank high in entertainment value may be more appealing to reluctant readers and/or those who are new to good and beautiful books.

Moral Value

All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are deemed appropriate and wholesome, but some books have more emphasis on moral principles than others. A lower rating for moral value does not mean the book is inappropriate; it only means that moral values are not as highly emphasized.

Educational Value

Although all books on this list have educational value in the sense of increasing vocabulary and other important skills, the educational value scale is based on how well the book helps the reader gain knowledge about historical time periods, cultures, geography, science, etc.

Literary Value

Books that score high in literary value include exceptional writing, use of literary devices, and a rich vocabulary. All books on The Good and the Beautiful Book List are well-written, but some have a higher literary value than others.

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