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Airhead

(2008, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Meg Cabot)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Freaky life-swap tale with fashion and flair.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A teen searches for her true identity and worth in a world that emphasizes looks -- more specifically, the fashion world and high school. While there are some issues of questionable judgment and medical ethics, the author handles them well.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A girl is injured in an accident. There's talk of what is technically alive and legally dead.

  • Sex:

    There are crushes, kisses, and a girl describes her body wanting to do more than kiss.

  • Language:

    "Bitch," "slut," "loser," and other slightly saucy teen language is used.

  • Consumerism:

    Part of the novel takes place in the fashion world, so naturally there are plenty of labels and brands: Marc Jacobs, Vespa, Google, Doritos, Sports Illustrated, Sketchers, Victoria's Secret, etc.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A teen disguises her drink to look alcoholic when it isn't; other teens are let into a club even though they're underage. One is described as being drunk.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Airhead

Parents need to know that this book covers some questionable medical procedures and discusses the question of when life actually ends. A teenager is thrust into a very adult world where there's little supervision, but plenty of money to purchase high-end goods. This is handled better than in many other teen books with a fashion focus.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about what it would be like to live another person's life. What do you think would be easy? What would be hard? Also, what do you think of the medical procedures Emerson endures? Are they ethical?
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Our Members Say

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See all 15 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Book Eater
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    The inside is what counts, but every one likes the outside better

    A dip into the world of a girl who isn't herself any more. Amazing book!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    garima06
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    for teens

    i liked the book. .it talks abt a girl who has A BRAIN TRANSPLANT and finds herself in a supermodel's body...

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    zipzipzap
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    awsome book

    I love this book its great for teenage girls. Super funny and really good. I would strongly suggest this book to any girl 10 and older.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    igotcrzyfriends
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    A-MA-ZING

    i loved this book and couldnt wait until being nikki came out, its an amazing book

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    megan094eva
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    Counting down until the second one.

    I love this book - cant wait to gte the second one!!! A mature 10 year old could read this, and it would be enjoyable from that age upto about 15.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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