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Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape)

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Carrie Jones)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Characters in sequel won't stick with readers.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A mean girl torments Belle. She supports her friend who is pregnant and still in high school.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Belle is recovering from an attack at school from a confused former friend. She also hears that friend being abused by his father.

  • Sex:

    Belle recalls sex with her ex, and nearly has sex with her new boyfriend. She buys condoms for her friends -- and later a pregnancy test when her best friend thinks she's pregnant.

  • Language:

    Some, like "hell," "crappy," "bitch," and "slut."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Love (and Other Uses for Duct Tape)

Parents need to know that in this sequel to Tips on Having a Gay (Ex) Boyfriend, a central plot is about Belle dealing with her best friend's pregnancy -- and her own decision to have sex with her boyfriend. There is some language, and a mean girl tries to humiliate Belle by spreading nasty rumors.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about sequels. What is the appeal of returning to the same character -- both for readers and for writers? Can you think of other protagonists you would like to see an author return to?
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