Dickens & Rumi
Cover of The Club of Ugly Children

film

The Club of Ugly Children

2019

“Keep it clean!” – The new president is serious about that, including looks. When Paul, whose large jug ears are quite apparent on class photo day, and some of the other “ugly” kids are taken on a surprise trip, they realize that the president wants to hide them away. On the run, Paul is helped by Sara, one of the “pretty” kids. They start an underground club to fight against the president. The movement soon turns into a revolution. The kids show the world that even children can rise up – and that you don’t have to be “pretty” to be a hero!

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Appearance-based terms such as “ugly” and “pretty” reflect mild bullying or labeling, with no strong profanity indicated.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The premise involves children being kidnapped and threatened by an authoritarian government, which can be unsettling.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains scenes of tension, chases, and resistance against authorities, though not overly graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Children knowingly face danger, escape oppression, organize underground, and lead a revolution against an unjust president.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Shows the clever methods children use to organize and hide from the government.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Highlights that children of various appearances and backgrounds can work together.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Touches on themes of political activism and social justice in a way accessible to children.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Cooperation and empathy are key to the protagonists' success.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly promotes resisting discrimination, rejecting appearance-based judgment, solidarity, and the idea that anyone can be a hero.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show initiative, bravery, and cooperative spirit in the face of oppression.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in The Club of Ugly Children would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Club of Ugly Children, and what caused that change?
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