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Private

(2006, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Kate Brian)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Yet another cliquey series, but with a nicer star.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Reed strives to be popular, even though the girls in the top clique are not kind to her.
  • Violence:

    At a party, Thomas holds Reed down against her will -- then pushes her to the ground in anger.
  • Sex:

    Reed loses her virginity and also sneaks around to be with her boyfriend.
  • Language:

    Some swearing and mean talk.
  • Consumerism:

    A sprinkling: Mercedes, Kerastase hair products, Abercrombie, Coke, Lucky Charms
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Thomas deals drugs, other characters drink; Reed's mother is an addict, as are Thomas' parents.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Private

Parents need to know that Reed obsesses over a clique of popular girls who can sometimes be quite mean: They pressure her to steal a test, break up with her boyfriend, and spike a teacher's drink; later they even conspire to have another girl thrown out for cheating. Also, Reed's boyfriend -- whom she loses her virginity to -- drinks, deals drugs, and pushes her down in a rage. There is also some swearing and mean talk, along with a little label name-dropping.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of the clique lit genre. Are these types of books simply escape, or do they promote dangerous values? Do they impact the way girls treat one another -- or themselves?

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Our Members Say

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See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title iffy for age 16 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    Not sure I'd let any teen read any of the books in this series until they have the maturity to understand what is and is not appropriate behavior.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 2.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    AMAZING SERIES!!!!!

    This was one of my favorite books ive ever read. i started reading them when i was either 12 or early 13 and now im 14 and i still love them! They grab your attention from the very first chapter and they keep your attention. They leave me **mesmerized** but they are a little risque at times. Overall fantastic books though despite everything!! well worth buying every book!!!

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    SUCH A GOOD BOOK=]

    this book is amazing and i am on the 8th book=] not good for younger kids but one of my favorite books, its catchy, funny, and teaches girls how to stand up for themselves and how to deal with things. its an awesome book.

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

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