Reviews

A Rule Is to Break: A Child's Guide to Anarchy by John Seven

maestro_cerrotorcido's review against another edition

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lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

I feel the same as some of the others. The illustrations are great, but this really isn't instructive. If this is anarchy, children generally already know what anarchy is and don't need this book 😂 "There are no rules" is not true, being uncleanly and loud are inconsiderate, and being unhealthy is bad advice. There were some points about being kind and giving but nothing about being considerate and coming to agreements with people.

nadnoennas's review

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5.0

Great!

inkgraveyard's review

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5.0

do what you want!

tantekate's review against another edition

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3.5

Cute little book for future anarchists; enough “monster” characters to make it a good Halloween gift 

amydieg's review against another edition

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4.0

Really fun, mixes silly things with real lessons.

stefaniejane's review against another edition

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4.0

I like the positivity and self-empowerment dripping from these pages! It's so fun and puts other books where kids are naughty for no reason to shame. This book highlights why it's okay to be different and do what you desire. Which could be wreaking havoc and eating cake for dinner.... Or taking a nap :)

beths0103's review against another edition

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5.0

While the premise of this book seems utterly ridiculous and lists many silly recommendations for leading a life of anarchy, there's actually a part of this book that speaks to the values of fairness, individualism, empathy, civil disobedience, and social justice. Surprisingly astute.

rustbeltjessie's review against another edition

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5.0

I got this book for my lil' one for Xmas. It is just as wonderful as I had hoped. Fun and whimsical, yet with a serious underlying message about being yourself and changing the world.

kerost's review

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5.0

A nice introduction to anarchy for kids who are already predisposed to it. Not just a laugh, but has actual use as a way to inspire kids to think outside the box.

antlersantlers's review against another edition

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2.0

This book has a lot of unrealized potential. There are definitely ways this could be framed as empowering sort-of opposites. Instead it's just uneven and lackluster. Perhaps therein lies its success as an anarchist book, but it fails as a book for children.