Tools for this page
Print

Pretty Face

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Mary Hogan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Bellisimo book about body image, Italian style.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Hayley learns to see herself as a whole person, and not to hate her body.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Hayley has sex with her Italian boyfriend -- it is only lightly described.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Hayley drinks wine with the Italian family she stays with.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pretty Face

Parents need to know that the main character decides to have sex with her Italian boyfriend and the scene is barely described. She also drinks some wine with her meals with permission from the family she is staying with. In the end, she learns a valuable lesson about accepting herself as a whole person -- instead of being focused only on her weight.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Hayley's criticisms of her L.A. hometown. Not only are the people around her obsessed with their bodies, they also often choose unhealthy convenience foods -- and drive too much. Ask your kids: Do you find this to be true? What can we do to combat this lifestyle? Can you think of any small steps that you could take as a family to become healthier -- inside and out?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Pretty Face?
  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    • My highlights are:
    • Educational

    It was ok.

    It was ok.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0

    Loved it!

    I loved this book! The message, the writing skills and the characters are heart warming and draw you in. I recommend reading this for anyone twelve or up with certain acceptances because very briefly and not at all in an vulgar way the main character makes love to her summer boyfriend, it is not described except for the kissing but a couple of twelve year olds may find it non appropriate. The book was very very good and I'd recommend it to everyone fourteen and up.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name