Parents' Guide to

The Complete Maus

Book Art Spiegelman Graphic Novel 2003
The Complete Maus Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Michael Berry By Michael Berry , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Unforgettable graphic memoir of the Holocaust.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Jlyndvorak
Jlyndvorak Parent of 11 and 13-year-old
June 13, 2022
age 11+

It’s tough, but don’t be afraid

Of course this is a story of genocide, violence, and horror. But it’s also a true story of resilience, and one that I am sharing with my mature 12-year child by reading it with him and discussing. Don’t be afraid.
Sirashlie
Sirashlie Parent of 7, 10, 14 and 14-year-old
October 26, 2023
age 13+

A important story

The story follows Comic artist Art Spiegelman as he interviews his father about WWII. They tell a before, during, and after so that you can truly understand what life was like normally before and how it could never be that again after. This non-fiction piece is brilliantly put together. I don't think there can be "Too much" of things in a true story but I marked Violence because its detailed in the gruesome murders (as well as suicide being a common subject) and I marked Sex as they hint to some happenings and there is one panel with breast. All this said I only read PT 1 so I can't speak to the rating of content for PT 2 yet
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What's the Story?

At the start of THE COMPLETE MAUS, cartoonist Art Spiegelman wants to interview his aging father, Vladek, about his experiences in World War II Europe. The older man is reluctant at first, but gradually he talks about his days as an enterprising young man in Poland. When the Nazis arrive and steal the Jewish-owned businesses and factories, Vladek is drafted and quickly becomes a prisoner of war. He escapes, only to be rounded up with his family and sent to the dreaded concentration camp, Auschwitz.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6 ):
Kids say (12 ):

Some works of art change their medium forever, and this graphic memoir is a sterling example of a book that upended all expectations about what comics could accomplish. With a sharp eye and skillful hands, Art Spiegelman tells the story of his father in two time periods, each rendered with powerful emotion. Even though they wear the heads of mice, cats, dogs, and pigs, the characters are all recognizably human in their struggles to survive in the midst of war and terror. Mature readers can learn much about how the Holocaust affected three generations of Europeans.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how The Complete Maus uses the comics medium to tell its story. Why are some topics particularly suited to becoming graphic novels?

  • Some of Vladek's associates are slow to realize the danger they're in. How do authoritarian regimes take power without much resistance?

  • How do his experiences in the war affect Vladek's behavior as an old man? How do survivors of deep trauma cope with their emotions?

Book Details

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