Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Real look at first love (and sex) -- a teen classic.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Parents say that the book is well-written but not suitable for younger teens, emphasizing that readers should be mature enough to handle its graphic discussions of sex and relationships. Many reviewers suggest that it serves as an important resource for older teens, providing realistic portrayals of sexual responsibility, consequences, and emotional complexities while also opening avenues for discussion between parents and their children about these topics.
- maturity required
- graphic content
- sexual responsibility
- open discussion
- age recommendations
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 49 kid reviews
Kids say this book is a candid exploration of teenage relationships and sexuality, often with graphic descriptions that some feel are inappropriate for younger readers. While many found its educational messages about love and safe sex valuable, others expressed concern about its explicit content and whether it is suitable for a tween audience.
- sexual content
- educational messages
- mature themes
- age appropriateness
- relationship dynamics
- graphic descriptions
Summarized with AI
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.
Talk to Your Kids 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.
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Simon & Schuster
- Publication date : April 1, 1975
- Number of pages : 192
- Last updated : February 25, 2026
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