Common Sense Media Review
Teen grows beyond dysfunctional family in romantic outing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 26 kid reviews
Kids say the book presents a good plot with relatable themes of family dynamics and teen relationships, although some readers found it initially engaging but eventually boring. It generally appeals to mature younger readers and emphasizes character development, despite a few misconceptions regarding its themes and content.
- relatable themes
- engaging plot
- character development
- family dynamics
- good for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Sarah Dessen, gifted but lonely teen Auden tries to make the most of her last summer before college by resolving her issues with her dysfunctional family and hanging out with other teens at the beach. The teens in this town are into fashion, BMX biking, and lots of partying, things Auden stayed away from in high school. She came to the beach to escape her judgmental mother and bond with her father, but he avoids her in his office all day, while her stepmother struggles to calm her newborn baby sister's nonstop crying. Auden questions if it's possible for people to change for the better. She'll have to get out of her comfort zone if she's going to have a summer to remember.
Is It Any Good?
This book has a pretty tame romance, with lessons about self-acceptance and accepting others. Along for the Ride asks whether people stay stuck in their negative patterns or whether they can change. Too many subplots slow things down, and teen readers may lose interest in the stepmom/new baby storyline. But they'll stay hooked as Dessen once again explores themes of emotionally abusive parents, the power of friendship, and teens who run away from their problems.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether people can really change. What does it take to make the characters of Along for the Ride, from Auden to her mother and father, change for the better?
What qualities do we associate with strong female characters? How do the women in this book, from Auden to Auden's mom, stepmother, and new friends, show those qualities? How does each express her individual strengths?
What qualities do we associate with strong male characters? How does Eli exemplify and/or subvert those qualities? Does your idea of "strength" change depending on the gender of the character you're talking about?
If you've read other Sarah Desssen books, how do you think this one compares? Why do you think her books are so popular?
What other books you've read or movies you've seen portray teens in a realistic way?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking
- Publication date : June 1, 2009
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 15
- Number of pages : 383
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate