41 pages • 1 hour read
Tunes for Bears to Dance To
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
90
Novel • Fiction
New England • 1950s
1992
YA
10-14 years
Super Short Summary
In Tunes for Bears to Dance To, 11-year-old Henry, while mourning his brother's death, moves to a new town and befriends Mr. Levine, a Holocaust survivor. Henry's grocer boss, Mr. Hairston, manipulates him into considering destroying Mr. Levine's prized wood carving. Henry faces a moral dilemma, ultimately striving to maintain his integrity amidst profound challenges and complex ethical decisions. The book addresses antisemitism and includes racial slurs.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
1,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Robert Cormier's Tunes for Bears to Dance To is praised for its gripping and emotional narrative that delves into complex themes of morality, identity, and the impact of trauma. Critics admire its succinct and powerful prose, though some feel the story’s brevity limits character development. Overall, it's considered a thought-provoking read, particularly suited for young adults.
Who Should Read Tunes for Bears to Dance To?
A reader who would enjoy Tunes for Bears to Dance To by Robert Cormier likely appreciates thought-provoking, moral quandaries and psychological depth. Similar to those who favor Lord of the Flies by William Golding or The Giver by Lois Lowry, they seek intense narratives that challenge societal and ethical perceptions.
1,860 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
90
Novel • Fiction
New England • 1950s
1992
YA
10-14 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.