Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute
Fast-moving story of teen rivalry that sparks a romance.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that in Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute, by Talia Hibbert, two Black English teens, Celine and Brad, navigate their on-again, off-again friendship as it blossoms into a romance during a two-part survival course in the woods they join in the hopes of winning a scholarship and impressing colleges. Kids talk about virginity. There's dialogue in which kids make fun of a boy and girl having sex with makeshift, ineffective protection. One of the two main characters is a content creator. Google, Instagram, TikTok are mentioned frequently. Strong language includes "f--k," "s--t," "arse," and "dick." In a couple of suspenseful moments, teens get injured enough to need medical care.
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What's the Story?
When HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE begins, Celine and Brad, formerly close friends who have grown apart, find themselves spending more time together as both prepare for the journey of applying to colleges. In the past, they had a lot in common. Now, Celine is a popular content creator and Brad is the school's football hero. Brad lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The two embark on a prestigious outdoor adventure program, which happens to be associated with the company of Celine's dad -- who left her mom after having twins with another woman.
Is It Any Good?
This story is fast-paced, fun, and tender. In Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute, the debut young adult novel by Talia Hibbert (Get a Life, Chloe Brown, a New York Times best-seller), two main characters chronicle their evolving feelings toward each other in alternating first-person views. Both of them are sympathetic, likable, and quirky. Each one has a personal obstacle to overcome. Their romance and the strong friendships they have with other kids send the message that it's OK to be yourself.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Familes can talk about how mental illness is portrayed in Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute. Do you or any kids you know struggle with mental health?
The author includes a glossary of words kids use in England and Scotland. Was that fun to read? Did you read it through? Did you refer to it as you read the story.
Friendships in Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute go through many changes. Have you had a friendship that's weathered a lot of challenges?
Book Details
- Author: Talia Hibbert
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Character Strengths: Communication, Empathy, Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Joy Revolution
- Publication date: January 3, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 18
- Number of pages: 336
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged)
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: March 27, 2023
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