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Skim

(2008, Fiction - School, Written by Mariko Tamaki, Illustrated by Jillian Tamaki)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Graphic novel of teen misery -- for teens only.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A teen commits suicide -- not shown or described.

  • Sex:

    Several references to a "handjob," masturbation, venereal disease, and a teen boy who might be gay. A teen girl and her female teacher kiss and there's a drawing of a naked girl.

  • Language:

    Lots of "f--k"s, "asshole," "boob."

  • Consumerism:

    Convenience store, soda, and snack brands.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teens smoke, a lot.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Skim

Parents need to know that there's quite a bit of swearing and numerous sexual references, including the main character's crush on her female teacher, which leads to them kissing. Teens smoke a lot and a teen boy commits suicide, possibly because he is gay.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the angst depicted here. Is this what teen life is really like? Do you know kids like Kim? Why is she so miserable? What should she do about it? Have you ever felt like she does?
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