Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that there is some violence and swearing here, as well as many references to things commercial and sexual, though nothing graphic.
Families can talk about why so many books and movies depict teens being horrible to one another, and yet, despite the prevalence of this theme in our culture, nothing seems to change. Are the depictions of teen social nastiness accurate? Are bullying and ostracism really this prevalent? If so, why don't the regular negative depictions of bullies and vicious popular kids have any effect?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Matt Berman
Cross Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Ghostbusters, and you'll have a good sense of the tone and fun of PROM DATES FROM HELL. Fans of those movies will enjoy the many references to them scattered throughout the book. Maggie has many of Buffy's characteristics: a reluctant talent with the supernatural; a sarcastic wit when dealing with demons, bullies, and her own fears; and a way of comparing high school with Hell that provides much of the book's humor.
In the second half, the story turns darker, as the action and horror move towards their climax at the prom, and the humor gives way to suspense. Not all of it makes complete sense, but it's all in good fun, and Maggie's sardonic voice keeps it light and entertaining. As with Buffy and Ghostbusters, it's best not to scrutinize the details -- just sit back and enjoy the wacky ride.
From The Book
The end of April, and a rabid satin and tulle frenzy had attached to every double X chromosome in the senior class. All available wall space -- hallway, cafeteria, even the bathrooms -- sprouted signage in the most obnoxious colors possible. I was assaulted by flyers in the courtyard, and harassed by thrice-daily announcements. Had I gotten my tickets yet? Had I voted for the class song? Had I voted for the King and Queen? No, no, and Hell no, because voting for royalty was not just moronic, it was oxymoronic.
Plot Summary:
When nerd outcast Stanley Dozer seems to be wreaking supernatural revenge on the bullies who humiliated him, it's up to Maggie, a sardonic yearbook photographer who has a touch of the Sight, to figure out what's happening and stop it. Even if that means she has to do the one thing she really didn't want to do: face down the center of Evil in high-school -- the prom.
Related Books:
More Humorous Horror:
Curses, Inc. and Other Stories by Vivian Vande Velde
Never Trust a Dead Man by Vivian Vande Velde
Peeps by Scott Westerfeld
Thirsty by M. T. Anderson
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Sexual ContentIt is implied that one of the characters was date-raped in the past. Mentions of wild sex, going all the way, lesbians, getting into a girl's pants, kissing. |
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ViolenceMany severe and bloody injuries, both in real life and in dreams, including burning, tearing, and biting by dogs; breaking bones. |
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Language"Asshole," "asswipe," "bitch," "s--t." |
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Message |
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Social Behavior |
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CommercialismMentions of Chiclets, Coke, Starbucks, Converse, Prada, Ding Dongs, Twinkies. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoReferences to smoking, binge drinking. Minor teen characters smoke pot, drink, and get drunk. |
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