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The Fold

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by An Na)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Insightful and frank novel on beauty in America.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The book deals with navigating family obligation, being true to oneself, and surviving in a culture where Western ideals of beauty are thrust upon everyone, whether they can meet those standards or not. Because the book also deals with race and culture, there are some instances of racism, including a man calling a young Asian girl an "Oriental bitch."
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Mild swearing including "bitch," "ass," and rude hand gestures. Racial terms including "Oriental" -- to describe an Asian girl, slant-eyed gook -- and "FOB" or "fresh off the boat," a phrase used for recent immigrants.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Fold

Parents need to know that this book deals with people learning to accept themselves and their perceived flaws. Because the focus is on a Korean family and race plays a factor in one character's journey, racial undertones are present including a humiliating display by a student. A college student reveals she's a lesbian.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about diversity, Western standards of beauty, and the media's role in how people view body image. Who should decide what's beautiful? Do the same beauty standards apply everywhere in the world? Do magazines and celebs affect how you see yourself?
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