For parents

The Great Gatsby for Kids: A Parent’s Guide

Glittering parties, a green light across the bay, and a big dream. What to know before reading Gatsby with your child.

By Sean Lee · October 24, 2026

What is The Great Gatsby about?

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel is told by Nick Carraway, a fair-minded young man who moves to Long Island for the summer. His mysterious neighbor, Jay Gatsby, throws the most dazzling parties anyone has ever seen, and every night he looks across the bay at a small green light. Nick discovers that Gatsby once loved Nick’s cousin Daisy, and that everything Gatsby has built is part of a hope to see her again.

It’s a story about dreams, friendship, honesty, and what really matters more than money or fancy things.

Is it right for young children?

Gatsby is the most grown-up story in our series, so we recommend reading it together, and reading ahead first. Our retelling keeps the whole story, told gently: there are arguments between grown-ups, a car accident in which a character dies, and, near the end, Gatsby himself dies and is buried, with very few friends at his funeral. Nothing is described in a frightening way, but these are real losses.

Many families find it works best with older children in our 6–9 range, or with a child who is ready to talk about sad endings. Those moments can open honest, caring conversations about friendship, telling the truth, and being there for the people we care about.

Meet the characters

• Nick Carraway: the thoughtful narrator, who always tries to listen fairly.
• Jay Gatsby: the mysterious host with a hopeful heart and a big dream.
• Daisy Buchanan: Nick’s charming cousin, with a voice like music.
• Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s strong, proud husband, used to getting his own way.
• Jordan Baker: a cool, confident golf champion and Daisy’s friend.
• Myrtle and George Wilson: a lively dreamer and her tired, hardworking husband.
• Mr. Gatz: Gatsby’s gentle, proud father.

Big ideas to talk about

• Dreams can give us hope, but we can’t change the past.
• Money and parties don’t make someone truly happy.
• A good friend tells the truth and stays loyal, like Nick.
• It matters how we treat people, especially when things go wrong.

Activities

• Draw the green light across the bay, and write what you hope for.
• Design an invitation to a 1920s party.
• Write a kind note to a friend, the way Nick stays loyal to Gatsby.
• Use our free Great Gatsby discussion questions and character cards.