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Slam

(2007, Fiction - Contemporary Fiction, Written by Nick Hornby)
  • 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

    A frank, insightful look at teen pregnancy.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–17

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Teens have sex, but deal honorably and fairly maturely with the consequences, firmly supported by their families.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    One brief fight.
  • Sex:

    It is about teen pregnancy. 15-year-olds have sex, not described, and the girl gets pregnant. A mention of "pulling out," references to people who are gay, discussions of condoms and abortion.
  • Language:

    Some swearing, including "s--t" and "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    Products and stores mentioned.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Smoking, underage drinking, reference to marijuana.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Slam

Parents need to know that this is a book about teenage pregnancy, which means that teens (in this case, 15-year-olds) have sex -- and the girl gets pregnant. None of it is described, but there are discussions about condom use, abortion (the girl refuses), and other sexual references. There's also some swearing, and numerous products are mentioned.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the issues this story raises. Why do adults insist that teens shouldn't have sex? How will the baby affect the lives of the two teens in the future? Is the level of support and understanding they receive from their families realistic? Given Sam's family history, was this inevitable? Whose fault is it? Why did Alicia want to have -- and keep -- the baby? Should her parents or Sam have insisted she give it up for adoption? Why or why not?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Michigan
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Thought Provoking....

    Obviously this book deals with teen sex and the issues that pertain to it, but overall, it was a great book. Nick Hornby shows readers the physcological, social, and economical effects of teen pregnancy in a new way; throught the eyes of the father.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Great Book

    Totally awesome book deals well with the subject of teen pregnancy. It doesn't gloss over the important social, familial, and psychological issues that go along with it. The characters are believable and lovable. Great for 15+!

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