Friend Is Not a Verb (by Daniel Ehrenhaft)
common sense media says
Mystery + romance + wannabe rock stars adds up to good fun.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that there's a mystery at the center of this book: Hen's sister Sarah has been missing for a year, and she's a fugitive when she returns (though her crime is not a violent one). Other than that, there's nothing too alarming here: Hen's neighbor Emma shows up with beer at his band practices (and gets very drunk). One dad offers Hen a hit of marijuana, while another is known to drink heavily. Some innocent kissing, some light swearing. But at the end there's a gentle message about supporting and protecting the people you love -- even when you're not so sure of what they're up to.
Positive role models:
One of the things that is really great about this book is that the characters are all weird and even annoying at times. Yet, they really look out for one another. Even when they fight or act crazy, it's easy to see the good reasons behind their actions.
Sex:
Some kissing, but pretty innocent. Hen admits that when he was going out with Petra, "We never shtupped."
Language:
Age-appropriate stuff like "crap" and "pissed."
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Hen's neighbor Emma shows up with beer at his band practices (and gets very drunk). One dad offers Hen a hit of marijuana, while another is known to drink heavily.
More on Friend Is Not a Verb
Review It
Most useful reviews by all members
Doodles123
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
good advice...
i love it somewhat because it gives kids all around the world that read this the chance to experience getting faced with a bad situation and what different choices you can make and what ones are good and/or bad.
Flag as inappropriate
was this review useful?
|
|
An independent voice for families
Advice on the big issues
Already read it? What do you think?
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
