Handpicked by Our Editors

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson
Age 5+
4

Testing the Ice: A True Story About Jackie Robinson

Why We Recommend It

Jackie Robinson was special on the baseball field and off. His daughter's bio of the slugger-as-dad emphasizes courage.

Read our full review
Finding great books for children makes them lifelong readers.

When you give your children books they love, you give them a gift that lasts forever. But finding books that appeal to kids when there's so much else competing for their time has become really tough. Our recommended lists by theme and topic will help you find books for children of all ages and interests, from All Things Harry Potter to the best books to share with dads.

Show Reviews for:

New Book Reviews

showing: contemporary fiction
growup.jpg
If I Grow Up
Parents Need to Know...

that this book contains heavy violence and strong inner-city stereotypes and cliches. read more

Age 13+
If I Grow Up
2
marcelo.jpg
Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco X. Stork
Parents Need to Know...

that there are many sexual references here, somewhat graphic, but it is all talk and discussion -- there is no actual sexual activity depicted. There is also a fair amount of swearing. read more

Age 14+
Marcelo in the Real World
5
jumped.jpg
Jumped by Rita Williams-Garcia
Parents Need to Know...

that the book revolves around a fight at school and the events leading up to the fight. There's a lot of selfish behavior and several irresponsible adult authority figures. read more

Age 14+
Jumped
1
iggy.jpg
Saint Iggy by K. L. Going
Parents Need to Know...

that, while not glamorizing them at all, drugs are central to the story and to the culture in which the main characters live. There's also some swearing, violence, and sexual references. read more

Age 14+
Saint Iggy
4
bethcooper.JPG
I Love You, Beth Cooper by Larry Doyle
Parents Need to Know...

this funny novel features nonstop underage drinking, violence, sex (including oral sex and threesomes), and cursing. The main character is a geeky valedictorian who decides to carpe diem by drinking, making out, and getting naked in a ... read more

Age 14+
I Love You, Beth Cooper
4
castrationcelebration.JPG
Castration Celebration by Jake Wizner
Parents Need to Know...

this book is full of crass sexual language and attitudes that are degrading to women (albeit by characters portrayed as dim-witted at best). It mentions sex with sheep, oral sex during menstruation, and finding "a wart you know ... read more

Age 15+
Castration Celebration
2
lacandy.JPG
L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
Parents Need to Know...

that this fiction book by a reality TV star from the MTV show The Hills includes pervasive, extensive drinking by underage young adults; repeated mentions of name brands with an emphasis on having the right expensive clothing; and ... read more

Age 15+
L.A. Candy
2
punkzilla.JPG
Punkzilla by Adam Rapp
Parents Need to Know...

that this contemporary fiction novel offers an intense, graphic portrayal of a runaway teen who abuses drugs and steals with little remorse. Jamie's first-person voice is honest and raw, with lots of cursing. He engages in many risky ... read more

Age 14+
Punkzilla
4
secret.jpg
The Secret Life of Prince Charming by Deb Caletti
Parents Need to Know...

that there is some very strong language in the novel, including "f--k." There's talk of adult relationships, divorce, and infidelity. First intimate/sexual experiences are described. read more

Age 14+
The Secret Life of Prince Charming
4
mybignose.JPG
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters by Sydney Salter
Parents Need to Know...

that the book features a significant amount of underage drinking by the main character, her friends, and other students. Although the main character eventually accepts her appearance and decides she "confused sex with ... read more

Age 13+
My Big Nose and Other Natural Disasters
3
dopsick3.jpg
Dope Sick by Walter Dean Myers
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a book about drug abuse by street punks, so there are plenty of drug and violence references, though nothing graphic, and the main character is forced to confront what the drugs are doing to his life. read more

Age 14+
Dope Sick
4
theone.jpg
The One by Ed Decter, Laura Burns
Parents Need to Know...

the attractive 16-year-old main characters are routinely hit on by adults, and sex is treated casually; Chloe says she is willing to show her chest on film or sleep with the right guy if it will get her a good acting job with more money. ... read more

Age 14+
The One
3
sophomoreswitch.JPG
Sophomore Switch by Abby McDonald
Parents Need to Know...

this novel is about college students and features a fair amount of drinking and casual sex, as well as some profanity. However, on a scale with the Gossip Girl series, for example, it ranks lower because neither of the main characters ... read more

Age 14+
Sophomore Switch
3
Return To Sender book.jpg
Return to Sender by Julia Alvarez
Parents Need to Know...

that this story explores illegal immigration in a sympathetic way, and that readers come to know the hearts and minds of both the Vermont family and the Mexican family. Parents also need to know that the issues and moral dilemmas facing ... read more

Age 10+
Return to Sender
3
darkdude.jpg
Dark Dude by Oscar Hijuelos
Parents Need to Know...

that there is a lot of adult content here: language, sexual references, violence, and drug use (including one very detailed scene of preparation and injection of heroin). See the advisories for details. Marijuana use, drunkenness, ... read more

Age 15+
Dark Dude
4
shopaholic.JPG
Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
Parents Need to Know...

that, as the title suggests, this book features rampant consumerism; it describes shopping trips the way a chef might wax eloquent about a gourmet meal or an artist rhapsodize about a masterpiece. The main character, Becky, is shallow and ... read more

Age 15+
Confessions of a Shopaholic
3
fallujah.jpg
Sunrise Over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a book about the realities of the Iraq war. It takes no political positions, and though the violence and swearing are considerably less than they might have been, given the subject, there is still a bit of swearing and some ... read more

Age 13+
Sunrise Over Fallujah
4
the debs.jpg
The Debs by Susan McBride
Parents Need to Know...

that, like the Gossip Girl books, both mean-girl antics and high-end labels are quite prevalent. In one scene, a girl is stripped naked and photographed without her knowledge. Teens engage in sex (not described in detail) and drink, smoke ... read more

Age 14+
The Debs
3
rehab2.jpg
Rehab by Randi Reisfeld
Parents Need to Know...

that while there is drug use enabled by adults, there are also consequences. Also, quite a few name-brand products peppered throughout the book. There is a brief description of two teens having sex and some swearing, including ... read more

Age 14+
Rehab
3
Picture 5.png
Larry and the Meaning of Life
Parents Need to Know...

that the main character gets depressed and seeks guidance from a questionable guru who may be running a cult. Violence includes a teen getting beaten up, land mines planted, and the threat of a possibly murderous stalker. There's talk of ... read more

Age 14+
Larry and the Meaning of Life
4
spectacularnow.jpg
The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp
Parents Need to Know...

that teen characters drink heavily, have sex, and smoke marijuana throughout the book, pretty much without consequences, and this is presented as normal and often pleasurable behavior. There is also plenty of swearing and references to ... read more

Age 15+
The Spectacular Now
3

Recommended Book Lists

See more lists >

Find Books by Title


A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0-9

About Our Reviews

Common Sense Media's book reviews and ratings for all ages are based on child development principles. We give you trustworthy information so you can pick what's best for your family. We may know media, but you're the expert on your kids.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.