The True Meaning of Cleavage (by Mariah Fredericks)
common sense media says
Despite risque cover, this is about friendship.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that a freshman girl's one-sided relationship with an older boy causes a rift between best friends. Despite knowing David has a steady girlfriend, Sari meets him once a week to perform oral sex because she is "madly, psychotically in love" with him. It doesn't end well, and the friends learn about forgiveness, unconditional support, and trusting one's own judgment. There's some drinking at teen parties and one girl gets drunk and throws up.
Violence:
Not applicable.
Sex:
A teacher flirts with students, earning him a spot in "the Creep Pantheon." Girls call another girl "slutty." There is an oblique but key reference to Sari performing oral sex at a party. Sari dismisses this act as "no big deal." Sari meets with this senior boy once a week while he is in a committed relationship with a girl his age.
Language:
"Pissed off."
Consumerism:
Prada (as in calling a popular clique the "Prada Mafia"), soda and beer brands, Silly String.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Sari threatens to skip school assemblies to go smoke; Jess notes that "my dad has promised me that if I ever start smoking, he'll rip my lungs out for free." There is beer at a party the girls attend; Sari drinks but Jess says no, even when pressured. Another friend gets drunk and throws up.
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