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Jinx

(2007, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by Meg Cabot)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Solid fun Cabot read for teens, but not magical.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A good underlying message about being your true self.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    An intense scene towards the end has Jean tied up by her cousin; Torrance wants to cut her and drink her blood. Torrance also is taken to the hospital in what looks like a suicide attempt.
  • Sex:

    Some smooches between Jean and Zach. Jean discovers the au pair has been sleeping in the same bedroom as her boyfriend.
  • Language:

    Some words like "bitch" or "freakin'."
  • Consumerism:

    Mentions include Betsey Johnson, Gucci, Ferragamos, and Laguna Beach.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Tory and her friends drink, take drugs, and "party" Tory takes Ritalin and Valium.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Jinx

Parents need to know that this book is about a nice girl who is a witch -- and a mean girl who thinks she is one. There is an apparent suicide attempt, an attempted bloodletting, and a stalking (thanks to a love spell gone bad). Jean and her boyfriend share kisses that she feels "all the way to my toes." Also, Tory drinks and takes Ritalin and Valium. And the au pair shares a bed with her boyfriend.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how much pain and humiliation Torrance is able to cause her cousin without even using magic. This could be a good way for parents to begin a conversation with their daughters about "mean girl" behavior. Do they know anyone like Torrance who spreads rumors or sets up cruel schemes just to maintain her own power? What's the best way to fight back against this kind of behavior?

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Our Members Say

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See all 11 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    AMAZING

    amazing book! I loved it! the ending is so awesome! I reread it about 3 times it was so good. I defiantly recommend it, though there is some violence, but overall a very enjoyable book.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    Kept me hooked!

    A great book, but drugs are largely a common theme. Also, there is a suicide attempt, although I reckon that a mature 12 year old could read it.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0

    5 stars

    Meg Cabot has done it again. This is another amazing novel. The beginning starts out slow, but don't give up on this book. Once you hit the end it all makes sense. You'll love the ending. I was so anxious to turn the pages. It's a sweet romance/mystery/sci-fi novel. All teen readers (12 and up) will adore this. Trust me,I'm a bookworm - ha. Parents should not worry about this book. There is one kissing scene, and a mild murder attempt. But in that area, it is not different from most mystery novels. To sum it all up, just read it!

  5. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

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