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COD; A BIOGRAPHY OF THE FISH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Name: COD; A BIOGRAPHY OF THE FISH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD
Author: Mark Kurlansky; S. D. Schindler

Mark Kurlansky; S. D. Schindler · 1997

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for COD; A BIOGRAPHY OF THE FISH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD by Mark Kurlansky; S. D. Schindler. This book is recommended for ages 12+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Religious themes; positive qualities include Educational value, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to older middle-grade and teen readers because of its length, historical complexity, economic themes, and discussions of exploitation, environmental damage, and hardship. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

Death of a character2/5
Frightening scenes2/5
Religious themes2/5

Strongest positives

Educational value5/5
Creativity & curiosity3/5
Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5

Why this rating?

The book discusses cod as a traded commodity and the economics of fishing, not as advertising or product promotion.

Death of a character2/5

Why this rating?

Discusses the death of fish populations and historical loss of life in maritime conflicts.

Graphic injury1/5

Why this rating?

Mentions industrial fishing and processing methods, which can be somewhat graphic.

Strong language1/5

Why this rating?

Occasional mild historical language.

Religious themes2/5

Why this rating?

Discusses the historical importance of fish in Catholic fasting traditions.

Frightening scenes2/5

Why this rating?

Historical storms, shipwreck dangers, harsh voyages, and environmental decline may feel unsettling, but the documentary treatment is not horror-focused.

Alcohol or drugs1/5

Why this rating?

References to alcohol consumption in historical maritime settings.

Violence2/5

Why this rating?

Describes historical wars and conflicts over fishing rights.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5

Why this rating?

Discusses the bravery of historical explorers and fishermen.

Creativity & curiosity3/5

Why this rating?

Shows the creativity required for human survival and economic adaptation.

Diverse representation3/5

Why this rating?

It covers many societies and communities across regions and centuries, though this broad historical scope does not ensure equally deep, individual representation.

Educational value5/5

Why this rating?

Extremely educational regarding history, ecology, and geography.

Positive messages3/5

Why this rating?

Strongly emphasizes ecological limits, responsible resource use, historical accountability, and the consequences of unchecked exploitation.

Good role models3/5

Why this rating?

The book presents persistence, expertise, and stewardship alongside harmful choices by industries and authorities, offering mixed but useful examples to consider.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

What is one new thing you learned or became curious about?
How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
Which choice in COD; A BIOGRAPHY OF THE FISH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in COD; A BIOGRAPHY OF THE FISH THAT CHANGED THE WORLD, and what caused that change?

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