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Split Screen: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies / Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies

(2007, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Brent Hartinger)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Gay-centric book makes teens think.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Russel is a gay boy and Min is bisexual girl. Each protagonist tries to figure out their romantic relationships. There is some same-sex kissing. Russel also stays out to 5 a.m. with a boyfriend, making "the most of our time together." Also, Russel, thinking he sees his ex-boyfriend in another man's arms, accuses him of "picking up old guys in parks."

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Some discussion of favorite Disney rides.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Split Screen: Attack of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies / Bride of the Soul-Sucking Brain Zombies

Parents need to know that this is really two books in one (teens flip it over to read the parellel story). Each book is narrated by a gay character (Russel is a gay boy and Min is bisexual girl) as they try to figure out their romantic relationships. Ther'is some same-sex kissing. Russel, thinking he sees his ex-boyfriend in another man's arms, accuses him of "picking up old guys in parks." Russel also stays out until 5 a.m. with a boyfriend, making "the most of our time together." Min's parents are OK with her sexuality, while Russel's mother says "homosexuality is disgusting."

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the unique way this book is constructed. Why did the author choose to write two different books, rather than combine Russel and Min's stories into one? What might be some of the advantages and limitations of writing this way?
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