There are eight books in this series, written by Jenny Nimmo, who has a very interesting background herself.
Charlie Bone is a regular boy of about 10 years of age when the series starts. The stories are set in modern-day time. The books are recommended for grades 4 - 6.
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ONE: 'You shall have no other gods before Me.'
There is no specific mention of “other gods,” However, this is a fantasy series and the characters seem to place a lot of importance on their common ancestor, The Red King, and their special powers. They do not ask (or pray for) help from a “Higher Power,” they depend on themselves and their friends, or the “arm of flesh.”
TWO: 'You shall not make for yourself a carved image--any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.'
There are no graven images of gods that are worshiped in these stories.
THREE: 'You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.'
The Lord’s name is taken in vain several times throughout the series. No other bad language is used.
FOUR: 'Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.'
The Sabbath Day is not a holy or sacred day in this book. You may want to address this with your reader.
FIVE: 'Honor your father and your mother.'
Charlie Bone has a good relationship with his mother throughout the series, with the exception of one book, when she falls under a magic spell. He also has a good relationship with his maternal grandmother, and his uncle. His paternal grandmother, and great-aunts he does not get along well with, however, he does not disrespect them with his behavior or speech to them.
SIX: 'You shall not murder.'
Murder is mentioned in these books, confined to the evil characters. You may want to address this with your reader.
SEVEN: 'You shall not commit adultery.'
There is nothing inappropriate about any of the relationships in this book, with adults or children.
EIGHT: 'You shall not steal.'
Stealing seems to be par for the course in these stories, when the good characters are trying to save others, or otherwise trying to do good. You may want to address this with your young reader.
NINE: 'You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.'
There are instances where lies are told, and justifications made. You will probably want to address this.
TEN: 'You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's.'
Only the evil characters are coveting other’s possessions. Consistently, the good characters desire family, home, and an end to the fighting.
Overall Opinion: The stories are fantasy, and obviously so, however, in my opinion, I would address the issues mentioned above with your child before reading; such as honesty, stealing, keeping the Sabbath Day holy, and good and bad choices, and their consequences.
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