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The Year My Sister Got Lucky

(2008, Fiction - Family Life, Written by Aimee Friedman)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    A standard plot strengthened by sisterly bonds.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some of the ballet dancers are so thin that when they walk by, mothers whisper, "eating disorder." A teacher makes inappropriate comments to students. Katie's parents keep secrets from her, and Michaela lies to her parents. Katie snoops through her sister's IM log.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Michaela (17) has sex with her boyfriend using birth control -- not explicitly described. A friend sends her an email: "Congratulations on no longer being a virgin." Katie asks how sex feels and Michaela says, "Kind of weird and scary at first, but then better. It can be special, if you make good decisions." She also offers to educate Katie about condoms: "If I'm not going to give it to you straight, who will?"

  • Language:

    Very mild: "pissed off," "bitch."

  • Consumerism:

    Many mentions of brand names in fashion, food, perfume, stores, coffee and drink shops, Web sites, electronics, and magazines.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Michaela jokes about spiking hot chocolate with whiskey; before she realizes her sister is kidding, Katie is thrilled by the forbidden but worried about their parents finding out. Michaela starts smoking cigarettes because her friends do; this is presented as rebellious because dancers shouldn't smoke. Their ballet instructor smokes and says "but I'm old."
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Year My Sister Got Lucky

Parents need to know that this book features a rather old-fashioned plot, with teen sex serving as a "shocking" secret; smoking is portrayed as a rebellious act. Despite the suggestive title, the sex is pretty tame; Nothing is explicit, they're in a committed relationship, and they use birth control.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Katie and Michaela's family keeps so many secrets. Katie's parents withhold important information from her, supposedly so she won't get upset. How do all these lies and secrets affect their relationships? Families can also discuss how and why a passion (such as Michaela's dancing, or other sports or hobbies) can stop being fun, and what parents can do to help teens feel less pressured.
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Stephanne114
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    I think its good for teens and older. No less though.

    It was good, but it should have been a little more interesting, it was interesting just not enough for me to constantly keep turning the pages everyday.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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