The World Belonged to Us — 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
It's getting hot outside, hot enough to turn on the hydrants and run through the water--and that means it's finally summer in the city! Released from school and reveling in their freedom, the kids on one Brooklyn block take advantage of everything summertime has to offer: Freedom from morning till night to go out to meet their friends and make the streets their playground--jumping double Dutch, playing tag and hide-and-seek, building forts, chasing ice cream trucks, and best of all, believing anything is possible. That is, till their moms call them home for dinner. But not to worry--they know there is always tomorrow to do it all over again--because the block belongs to them and they rule their world.
(This book is also available in Spanish, as El mundo era nuestro!)
Frequently asked questions
Is The World Belonged to Us appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No violence is depicted in the book. The narrative focuses on the joy and freedom of childhood experiences in Brooklyn, without any mention of physical conflict or harm. No scary content is present in the book. The narrative is uplifting and celebrates childhood, with no elements that would cause fear or distress.
Does The World Belonged to Us have violence?
No violence is depicted in the book. The narrative focuses on the joy and freedom of childhood experiences in Brooklyn, without any mention of physical conflict or harm.
Does The World Belonged to Us have scary content?
No scary content is present in the book. The narrative is uplifting and celebrates childhood, with no elements that would cause fear or distress.
Does The World Belonged to Us have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. While Jacqueline Woodson's background as a Jehovah's Witness is mentioned in some sources, it is not relevant to the content of this book.
Does The World Belonged to Us have racial/cultural content?
The book features a diverse cast of characters, including Black, brown, and White children, and highlights their interactions in a multicultural neighborhood. It emphasizes community and inclusivity, showcasing children speaking multiple languages.
Does The World Belonged to Us have profanity?
No profanity is found in the book. The language used is appropriate for children and focuses on the themes of freedom and joy during childhood.
Does The World Belonged to Us have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The narrative centers on childhood experiences and the joy of summer, without addressing environmental issues or activism.
Does The World Belonged to Us have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The narrative centers on childhood experiences and friendships, with no references to sexual themes or situations.
Does The World Belonged to Us have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or critique gender roles. It focuses on the experiences of children playing together, without emphasizing traditional or modern gender expectations.
Does The World Belonged to Us have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book's narrative. The search results reference Jacqueline Woodson's broader work and her recognition within the LGBTQ+ community, but do not indicate any LGBTQ+ content in this specific book.
