Kutner and Olson want the reader to be well informed, so they provide a rich scope of relevant subjects, including how games are rated by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in chapter 7 while including international counterparts like the Computer Entertainment Rating Organization in Japan. Gaming addictions (page 157), physical exercise and social marketing (chapter 6) also add to the variety of interest. This dynamic duo, who founded the Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health and Media, even add some legal interest, especially a case in Illinois. The authors definitely pull no punches in this area, even calling experts who gave testimony demonstrating the detrimental effects of violent video games purveyors of “junk science.” In addition, the authors even encourage pundits to “relax” while referring to media in earlier ages that supposedly would collapse society, but never did.

After more than 270 pages and 15 pages of end notes, this book’s academic study approach gives you a better understanding of the big picture in video game violence. Specific study examples (protective older siblings shielding their younger sibs from violent media), values promoted in violent games and how these games relate to a child’s true beliefs, all enforce a great theme of keeping parents involved and informed about violent video games. So many people have witnessed or experienced a parent or caregiver who lets the child talk them into buying violent video games at stores then returning them when they actually witness the game’s violence… well, if they‘re proactive enough to actually watch the children play the game.

Kutner and Olson's work puts the responsibility back on the parent/caregiver while debunking violent video game myths and exposing even more. It's a great proactive book which can even trigger some helpful media research where the parent/caregiver might even revisit their own experiences relating to violent media. Grand Theft Childhood constitutes an insightful title for parents and other childcare givers looking for informational assistance on violent video games.