On the Horizon — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Lois Lowry looks back at history through a personal lens as she draws from her own memories as a child in Hawaii and Japan, as well as from historical research, in this stunning work in verse for young listeners.
On the Horizon tells the story of people whose lives were lost or forever altered by the twin tragedies of Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. Based on the lives of soldiers at Pearl Harbor and civilians in Hiroshima, On the Horizon contemplates humanity and war through verse that sings with pain, truth, and the importance of bridging cultural divides. This masterful work emphasizes empathy and understanding in search of commonality and friendship, vital lessons for students as well as citizens of today’s world.
In turns haunting, heartbreaking, and uplifting, On the Horizon will remind listeners of the horrors and heroism in our past, as well as offer hope for our future.
"For a first-time audiobook narrator, Lowry is a natural. Her plain-spoken delivery is entrancing. There's an elegiac cadence to her sentences, and you can hear her smile when she remembers the soft Hawaiian words of her youth." —The New York Times
Frequently asked questions
Is On the Horizon appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book recounts violent historical events, specifically the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. It includes descriptions of scorched men and children dying from radiation poisoning, though these are presented in a poetic manner without graphic detail. The book contains elements that could be considered scary for young readers, such as the death of a child in Hiroshima and the traumatic events of war. These themes are presented in a way that may evoke fear or distress, particularly for sensitive readers.
Does On the Horizon have violence?
The book recounts violent historical events, specifically the attacks on Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima. It includes descriptions of scorched men and children dying from radiation poisoning, though these are presented in a poetic manner without graphic detail.
Does On the Horizon have scary content?
The book contains elements that could be considered scary for young readers, such as the death of a child in Hiroshima and the traumatic events of war. These themes are presented in a way that may evoke fear or distress, particularly for sensitive readers.
Does On the Horizon have religious themes?
No religious content is found in the book 'On the Horizon'. The search results include references to the author's background and general discussions about religion but do not indicate any religious themes or practices in the narrative.
Does On the Horizon have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme in 'On the Horizon'. The narrative focuses on the historical events of WWII and their impact on individuals rather than addressing racial issues or dynamics.
Does On the Horizon have profanity?
No profanity is present in 'On the Horizon'. The descriptions of the book emphasize its age-appropriate content and poetic style, which does not include any vulgar language.
Does On the Horizon have climate change?
There are no climate themes present in 'On the Horizon'. The search results mention climate change in unrelated contexts, but the book itself does not address environmental issues.
Does On the Horizon have sexual identity?
There are no references to sexual content in 'On the Horizon'. The search results discuss the author's other works but do not indicate any sexual themes in this specific book.
Does On the Horizon have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It recounts historical events and personal reflections without focusing on gender expectations or stereotypes.
Does On the Horizon have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book 'On the Horizon' by Lois Lowry. The search results reference discussions and interpretations from Reddit about characters from a different context, but these do not pertain to the book itself.
