Tunes for Bears to Dance To

By Robert Cormier

Money’s tight and Henry is lucky to have the job at Mr. Hairston’s grocery store. His parents are both lost in despair following the death of Henry’s older brother, and Henry is glad for the opportunity to feel like he’s helping. Saving to buy a marker for Eddie’s grave, Henry tries to ignore Mr. Hairston’s commentary about the customers.
 
But Henry is shocked when he is told he’s being laid off. That is, unless he agrees to do one thing, one terrible thing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 19, 2013
• ISBN: 9780307548443

Reviews for Tunes for Bears to Dance To

[librarybrandy · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not my favorite of Cormier's books. It's got some interesting ideas, but the plot comes together too easily, and even though it's set in (I guess?) the early '50s and the language is trying to capture that, some of the terms the bigoted boss uses are offensive by 1992 standards. I get why they were used, but it just didn't feel true to the time to me. Or something. I dunno. This book just didn't do it for me, though I liked the title an awful lot.
This may be among my least useful reviews.

[abookvacation · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

It was okay. I really don't think there was much plot development or character development. I guess it's be good for 3rd and 4th graders?

[amcguinn_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Henry and his family are dealing with the recent death of his brother and decide to move to a new town. In this new town, Henry meets Mr. Hairston, his new boss at the grocery store, and Mr. Levine, an elderly Holocaust survivor. Mr. Hairston devises an evil plan to test Henry's character.This story has a universal appeal in that it deals with good versus evil. I was anxious to find out what decision Henry would make. Readers who enjoy stories about people who are faced with making ethical decisions with huge risks will like this one.Honors and Awards: None

[meggyweg · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This Cormier book is suited for a younger audience, from about age eight on up, and lacks the violence and sex that often appears in his other books. Just because it's not as explicit, however, does not mean it's a fluffy read: it tackles weighty issues of prejudice and the need to take a stand against evil. 11-year-old Henry's family has been torn apart by the sudden death of his brother, but he finds solace in his friendship with Mr. Levine, a Jewish Holocaust survivor. Then Henry's boss, a child-abusing bigot named Mr. Hairston, threatens to destroy Henry's relationship with Mr. Levine, and Henry must decide between what is easy and what is right. This would be a good book to use to introduce younger children to the Holocaust, and to teach them about prejudice.