 | 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. |
Forever
- By Judy Blume
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Real look at first love (and sex) -- a teen classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book is often challenged and even banned because of its depictions of teen sex. But it remains one of the best ways of discussing this very sensitive subject with your very sensitive teens. It deals frankly and responsibly with tough questions. Katherine has sex with her boyfriend, talks frankly about his penis, visits Planned Parenthood to get birth control pills, and discusses sex with her mother, grandmother, and best friend. She also deals with other adult issues: Michael's best friend tries to hang himself; another character, who has had many sexual partners, gets pregnant and has a baby; and Katherine's grandfather dies. There's some drinking, and some characters smoke marijuana. Readers who are mature enough for the content will find a very realistic portrayal of first love -- and a thoughtful protagonist who considers carefully before deciding to enter a sexual relationship. There are plenty of opportunities for parents to use this book to talk about their own values about sex, birth control, teen pregnancy, and more.
What's the story?
Katherine is a high school senior when she meets -- and quickly falls in love with -- Michael. Her parents grow concerned about how much time they're spending together -- and it's true that they're together whenever possible. Soon they even begin a sexual relationship. But with high school ending -- and grown-up problems just beginning -- will their young love be able to last?
Is it any good?
This classic from the '70s may seem tame compared with some of today's young adult literature, but readers will still appreciate Judy Blume's honest depiction of young love. Some of the language is dated, but Katherine and Michael are both believable characters. While there are depictions of sex, there's a lot more here, too. Not only do Katherine and Michael have a real relationship, but Katherine is thoughtful about her decision to have sex.
Katherine has some open conversations, including one in which her mother tells her: "Sex is a commitment ... once you're there you can't go back to holding hands." Blume opens newer editions of the book reminding readers that things have changed since she wrote FOREVER: "Today, sexual responsibility also means preventing sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS which can kill you." Whatever your family's values, you can use Forever to start many conversations with your kids, from your own beliefs about premarital sex to your thoughts about book censorship.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why this book is considered controversial. It was ranked as the eighth most-challenged book in the 1990s, according to the American Library Association. Why do some adults think teens can't handle the material in the book? What do kids think their parents worry about?
This book was written in the '70s -- how have attitudes about teens and sex continued to change since then? What causes these changes in attitudes? Is it media or something else? Do you think today's teens feel pressured to have sex earlier than their parents?
What do you think of Katherine's parents' attitudes toward dating and sex? This conversation might provide a good opportunity to discuss your own values.
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AGE
Dear Parents: Not For Teens !
Im only 13, but I LOVE READING! I picked this book at my school library and i thought it was just about love, nothing sexual. But i recall the first line stated " Sybil had been laid by at least 6 guys" or something similar. I didn't think to go on, but i didn't think i should judge it by the first. But i was wrong. Katherine thinks she has fallen in love and has sex with her boyfriend...and she calls it 'making love'. But the book goes into detail, and describes WAY TOO MUCH information or detail about sex, e.g. how it feels, positioning etc. my opinion is that this book was completely inappropriate for teens my age and even a little bit older. Oh and by the way im not sure how to work the iffy,on and off thing so im sorry!
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AGE
I know that many parents may have objections with this book, but as a teen -- and having read it myself -- I think it portrays love and sex in a realistic light. Katherine and Michael have a real relationship going on. They didn't just meet and hook up, but they met, fell for each other, took the time to get to know one another, and then took the time to make the decision that they were ready to take the next step and add sex into their relationship. Blume wrote a story that very much said: Teenagers are going to have sex no matter what parents want and think, but instead of going on and on about abstinence, we should be telling them to wait until they are in a relationship they can enough about and not just a random hook up. She also shows that you should be prepared with birth control or other means of protection. Overall this book has a good message about what love is and how you should take responsibility is you want to take that nest step in the relationship. Definitely a book for thirteen and up, maybe 12 is they are mature enough to handle it.
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AGE
A positive learning experience, but do be aware of your child.
Although there are some graphic depictions of intercourse, it is nothing terrible. All teenagers know about sex and there is no way society can hide it, most teenagers have sex in high school and their parents never find out. This book isn't promoting people to go screw each other, it puts an emphasis on a loving sexual relationship. The only downside is that we are talking about high school students who say forever, but it never turns out that way, which is absolutely heartbreaking.
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AGE
Forever... educational
it's a great book & an easy way to escape the awkward 'sex talk' with your child. i had to research a banned/challenged book and i chose this book and anyone can understand why its challenged but the people that do challenge it focus on the negative and dont look at the benefits some people can get out of this intriguing book. for one its very educational and it can help a lot of girls go through their first sexual relationship. all in all its a great book and i would recommend it to anyone OVER 14 years old
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AGE
Honest, but not the best. Beware of sexual content.
I didn't like this book. I just didn't find it to be good. The story was pretty lame, but the main issue was the way the sex scenes were described. I did not expect so much detail.
The book was honest though and I think she did a good job with that. But still overall I was not a fan.
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AGE
HMMM
i think that most children in this era know about sex but some concerns need to be shown also. under 15 should not read this
I THOUGHT JUDY BLUME WAS A CHILDRENS' AUTHOR
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AGE
All I can say is, wow.
I litterally just got done reading Forever... I just HAD to write my opinion on it. First, I'm 13 years old. Second, i DO NOT recommend this book for teens 13 or below. Some of the content was... A litle disturbing to read, and they did make love multiple times in the book. I read the whole thing in the matter of hours, I couldn't put it down! It was very well written, but the content was for mature audiances.
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AGE
I read this book when I was a freshman in high school. I'd recommend it for older teens. (15-17)
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AGE
Not for tweens, but perfect for kids 14+
Okay, well I'm 15 years old, and I read this book when I was 14. I loved the book! It is a fairly sexual book, so if you're under 14, I wouldn't recommend reading it just yet. The message in this book is positive, talking about the consequences that come with sex instead of making seem like and easy thing, which it isn't. This book almost, to me, gives off the vibe of when a parent is giving their kid "the talk" because there is some talk about that. Overall: Amazing book, but not for tweens.
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AGE
Good for mature older teens
I read this book and thought that it was way too descriptive in the sex scenes. I don't recommend this for teens unless they are mature.
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| Author: | Judy Blume |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Simon & Schuster |
| Publication date: | April 1, 1975 |
| Number of pages: | 192 |
| Hardcover price: | $17.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 14 - 14 |
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