 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Breakup Bible
- By Melissa Kantor
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
First-heartbreak story has good life lessons.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the main plot here involves a girl's attempt to get her life back together after her first real boyfriend breaks up with her. She recounts kissing him, and even a night when he asked her not to go home. Characters swear, and there are also some scenes in which teens -- including the protagonist -- drink. Parents can use this book to talk about relationships -- including how
media portrays teen romance versus what most of these relationships are
actually like.
What's the story?
Jen's family and friends try to cheer her up after she's dumped by the school newspaper editor; her grandmother even gives her a cheesy self-help book. But Jen remains heartbroken, especially after she discovers Max is now going out with a ditzy girl who works on the school paper with them. Her life slowly gets better, thanks to her involvement in a controversial article -- and a realization that Max wasn't as perfect for her as she thought.
Is it any good?
Some lovely writing and a colorful supporting cast breathe realism into this likable novel about a girl getting over her first heartbreak. Readers will relate to sad Jen, a driven school newspaper editor who now has to work closely with the boy who just broke up with her. They will also like her colorful family, which includes a foul-mouthed younger brother obsessed with hip-hop culture and a wacky grandmother who gives her an over-the-top self-help novel.
On the other hand, readers may tire of how long it takes Jen to get over Max, and they may not know what to make of The Breakup Bible (which instructs Jen to cut out inspirational messages such as "Mr. Wrong is in the garbage where he belongs" and "I complete me.") Also, the story line in which Jen writes a controversial newspaper article about race relations at her high school seems to come out of nowhere -- though it does energize her, and help her draw an important conclusion about Max. Ultimately, the author hits the right chord: Jen takes time getting over Max, but she also learns to take charge of her own life. Readers will cheer her on as she lands an important internship -- and even flirts with trying love again.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how teen relationships are portrayed in media, from TV to books. What are some of the cliches -- and how do they shape expectations of what relationships are actually like?
What do you imagine a good relationship to be like, and how does that compare to relationships you've been in, or seen friends in?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
dumb
i thought jen was being a big baby, get over it..max did...im not trying to be mean, but if someone breaks up with you they dont care anymore, why should she care?!
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AGE
the breakup bible
i love this book and when i finished reading it i was so dissaponted because there was no more for me to read. if anything this is my favorite book in the hole entire world and they sould make more of them!
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AGE
Tweens and younger children; this book is a no go.
I had to read this book for a summer reading project. (I am an incoming Freshman) I have to say that it is a rather good book though I feel tweens just may not understand it. There are a few chapters with Jennifer drinking and her boyfriend begs her to spend the night with him. However, I also feel this book shows young teens that there is life after your love breaks your heart.
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AGE
its a great book but not for tweens if they are 13 they may get the wrong idea about the book that it is fine to do what the girl was doing but other then that it is great for girls at the age of 15 and up they can understand that they are not the only ones who suffer from broken hearts.
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AGE
it a perfect book for tweens and teens
love it
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AGE
for us only.........
fhis book is a pause for my age. see it's good but you really hane to know your kids here.
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AGE
:P the breakup bible review
I really liked this book! sure there is drinking parts but excluding tat, its a great book! I love how she and Todd make an article for her class! I also founf it cool that she was able to confront Maz after he told her those awful things! I really liked the breakup bible!!! :P :D :) <3
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| Author: | Melissa Kantor |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Hyperion Books for Children |
| Publication date: | May 1, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 272 |
| Paperback price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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