ParentsPick

Rabble Starkey — Content Guide for Parents

By Lois LowryHoughton Mifflin1987ISBN 9780395425060192 pages
Rabble Starkey

Themes present

Religious themes

Not found

ViolenceScary contentRacial/cultural contentProfanityClimate changeSexual identityGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

When Rabble Starkey's grandmother saw her for the first time, she said: "look at them sea-green eyes. Look at that ginger-colored hair. Lord, Lord, trouble lies ahead for that child." So she and Rabble's mother, Sweet-Hosanna, gave her a Bible name, Parable Ann, to stave off what trouble they could. Rabble has had her share of trouble, nonetheless, by the time she is twelve. Her father left her and her fourteen-year-old mother when Rabble was one month old. The years have been hard and uncertain. More than anything, Rabble is looking for stability, and she may have found it now, living with her mother and the Bigelows. Veronica Bigelow is twelve, too, and she's more than Rabble's best friend; she's like a sister. When illness takes Veronica's mother to a distant hospital for months, and Sweet-Hosanna must assume her role, something that feels like a family is formed. And for Rabble, it feels like forever. Lois Lowry has peopled a small Appalachian town with rich, realistic characters: Gunther Bigelow, the homeliest baby in Highriver; Millie Bellows, who spends her last lonely days staring at TV quiz shows and faded family photographs; and Norman Cox, whose world is one of weaponry. Among them Rabble is passing a year that will change her forever, and Lois Lowry is making an unforgettable statement about the nature of families and the value of growth, change, and love. - Jacket flap.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Rabble Starkey appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    No explicit violence is mentioned in the book. The narrative focuses on themes of family dynamics and mental illness rather than physical conflict. The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it addresses serious themes like mental illness, it does so in a manner suitable for children.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have violence?

    No explicit violence is mentioned in the book. The narrative focuses on themes of family dynamics and mental illness rather than physical conflict.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have scary content?

    The book does not contain genuinely frightening content. While it addresses serious themes like mental illness, it does so in a manner suitable for children.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have religious themes?

    The book includes a reference to Rabble's grandmother giving her a Bible name, Parable Ann, which suggests a religious influence. However, the overall narrative does not focus on religious practices or beliefs.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have racial/cultural content?

    Race is not a central theme in the book. The narrative focuses on personal and familial issues rather than racial dynamics.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have profanity?

    No profanity is indicated in the book. The content is appropriate for a young audience, focusing on relatable themes for children.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have climate change?

    There are no climate themes present in the book. The story revolves around personal growth and family relationships rather than environmental issues.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have sexual identity?

    No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative is centered around the experiences of a twelve-year-old girl and her family dynamics.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have gender roles?

    The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It features a young female protagonist navigating her family and friendships without a focus on traditional or modern gender expectations.

  • Does Rabble Starkey have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are explicitly mentioned in the narrative of 'Rabble Starkey'. The search results primarily reference general lists of LGBTQ+ books and characters, not specific content from this book.