Although there are some graphic depictions of intercourse, it is nothing terrible. All teenagers know about sex and there is no way society can hide it, most teenagers have sex in high school and their parents never find out. This book isn't promoting people to go screw each other, it puts an emphasis on a loving sexual relationship. The only downside is that we are talking about high school students who say forever, but it never turns out that way, which is absolutely heartbreaking.
Forever
(1975, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Judy Blume)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Real look at first love (and sex), a teen classic.
updated 01.28.10
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 15–18
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Forever was written by Kate Pavao
Parents need to know that Katherine has sex with her boyfriend Michael, which is described -- he even tells her the name of his penis, and they use the name when talking about it. Katherine visits Planned Parenthood to get birth control pills and discusses sex with her mother, grandmother, and best friend. She also deals with other adult issues: Michael's best friend tries to hang himself; another character, who has had many sexual partners, gets pregnant and has a baby; and her grandfather dies. There is some drinking and some characters smoke marijuana.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about why this book is considered controversial.
- It ranked as the eighth most-challenged book in the 1990s, according to the American Library Association.
- What are your family's beliefs about teen sex?
- Are teens and parents in agreement or not?
- What did and didn't you admire about Katherine's decisions?
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More on Forever
Book Summary
Katherine is a high school senior when she meets -- and quickly falls in love with -- Michael. Her parents grow concerned about how much time they are spending together -- and it's true that they are together whenever possible. Soon they even begin a sexual relationship. But with high school ending -- and grown-up problems just beginning -- will their young love be able to last?
Is It Any Good?
This classic from the '70s may seem tame compared with some of today's young adult literature, but readers will still appreciate Judy Blume's honest depiction of young love. Some of the language is dated, but Katherine and Michael are both believable characters. While there are depictions of sex, there is a lot more here. Not only do Katherine and Michael have a real relationship, but Katherine is thoughtful about her decision to have sex.
Katherine has some open conversations, including one in which her mother tells her: "Sex is a commitment ... once you're there you can't go back to holding hands." Blume opens newer editions of the book reminding readers that things have changed since she wrote FOREVER: "Today, sexual responsibility also means preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS which can kill you." Whatever your family's values, you can use Forever to open up many conversations with your kids, from your own beliefs about premarital sex to your thoughts about book censorship.
Publisher’s Details
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Publication date: 4/1/1975
Number of pages: 192, Price: $17.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 15, Read Alone: 15
Number of pages: 192, Price: $17.99 (hardcover)
Read Aloud: 15, Read Alone: 15
Our Members Say
See all 30 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 15 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
A positive learning experience, but do be aware of your child.
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I rate this title on for age 14 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
best book ever!!! 14+ though!!!
i love this book!! i had to read it for an essay im doing, i read the books in 2 hours!! i'm in my last year of high school and i still wish i would have read this book earlier. if i a had read the book before, i wouldn't have done most of the things i did. my parents really wouldn't talk to me about sex or the roller coaster of emotions that comes along with it. after reading the book i felt like that is exactly how it's all about. the relationship part was true also. a boy may love you, but u won't necessarily feel the same way back. love hurts but u gotta move on. the sexual scenes are a bit too graphic for tweens, but i would recommend it for kids 14 and up.
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I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- My highlights are:
Not for tweens, but perfect for kids 14+
Okay, well I'm 15 years old, and I read this book when I was 14. I loved the book! It is a fairly sexual book, so if you're under 14, I wouldn't recommend reading it just yet. The message in this book is positive, talking about the consequences that come with sex instead of making seem like and easy thing, which it isn't. This book almost, to me, gives off the vibe of when a parent is giving their kid "the talk" because there is some talk about that. Overall: Amazing book, but not for tweens.
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
Perfect for teenagers
I love this book. I just read it, and it isn't bad at all. Just a few little descriptions :)
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
I loved the book. It lays down some pretty controversial topics but present them through a character who makes responsible choices. As the reader you feel for Katerine, and begin to understand the pressures she is going through. I read this book when I was 21, and I should have read it in highschool when I first started having sex. I was in a serious relationship just like Katerine, atleast so I thought. However, this book would have opened doors to being safe when having sex, and all girls need to know their options. This is a great book to present this topic. Still today in our society it isn't okay for girls to have sex with multiple people, but for some reason it is okay for boys to have sex with multiple people. Girls get a bad reputation, and boys get a pat on their back by their friends and fathers. This book allows for the girl to expand on her side of the story, and should be a book that all teenage or preteen girls read at some point.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 67% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 67% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 33% | of parents say it's educational |
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