 | 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. |
Lock and Key
- By Sarah Dessen
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Angsty novel tackles mature themes in thoughtful way.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teen characters in the book deal with physical and mental abuse by their parents, but it's not sensationalized and the focus is on the psychological after-effects. Teens' coping strategies include drug and alcohol use and running away. The importance of family and friends is strongly emphasized. Inspired parents and teachers can use this book to talk about a wide
variety of issues, such as abuse, teen sexual relationships, and
drinking -- and who they count in their own "family."
What's the story?
When Ruby's single mom takes off a few months before Ruby's 18th birthday, she lives alone in a roach-infested house without running water, hoping to stay under the radar until she's a legal adult. Instead, a social worker sticks her with Cora, the older sister she hasn't seen for 10 years, now a lawyer married to a rich Internet entrepreneur.
Despite her new posh surroundings, Ruby always wears the key to her old house on a chain around her neck as a reminder of her difficult yet more familiar old life. She slowly starts to lower her emotional defenses, reconnecting with her sister, making friends with another girl who doesn't fit in at school, and crushing on Nate, the cute, popular boy next door who seems to have a perfect life. It's only when she gets to know Nate that she realizes he might have secrets of his own to unlock.
Is it any good?
Teens will respond to Ruby's first-person voice as she struggles with all the changes in her life, even positive ones. Handed $200 and sent to the mall, Ruby is just anxious with what would seem to be teen heaven. Extensive dialogue exchanges give a sense of immediacy and connection with the characters. The child abuse isn't sensationalized; she focuses on the psychological damage, not the physical violence.
Some of the author's imagery (especially the key metaphor) lacks subtlety; secondary characters seem created to make a point, rather than as real people (Ruby's brother-in-law, while endearing, is simply too perfect); and several plot developments feel contrived. Still, the writing is higher quality than you'll find in many popular young-adult books, with lovely phrases and surprising bits of humor.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about books about abuse. Why might this book be appealing to kids from difficult homes? Do kids from functional families have something to learn from Ruby's story?
The author has written several popular books for teens, including Just Listen. What is appealing about her books? Why do they resonate so well with teens?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
I personally love this book because of what it teaches you. Its about true life for some people, and even though its hard to believe there is a true message. I mean look at Ruby from this book she has been through a lot, yet she finds a second chance and rebuilds her life. Even though you may have concerns so the language, sex scenes, or violence it teaches what some people go through all the time.
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AGE
PERFECT BOOK
I LOVE THIS BOOK. this was the first book i read by Sarah Dessenand she is my FAVORITE author of ALL TIME!!!!!!! she is awesome. i've read almost all her books and reccommend her books all the time to my friends.
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AGE
Not her best...
Lock and Key is not Sarah Dessen's best work. The plot is a bit weak and strange. There is some discussion of drugs and alcohol, but little sex.
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AGE
Perfect for Older Teens but not for Tweens!
The girl (Ruby)'s friends are smoking cigarettes in the book and the girl is having sexual intercourse with her boyfriend and her had sexual intercourse with the same guy. I don't think girls under 13 should read this book.
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AGE
Love this book!!
Love this book it's on of her best work!It has everything i love in a book! not the rude bits like but!
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AGE
Love, Life and Laughs. Good book for tween girls.
I am 12 years old and at first did not like this book mostly because I didn't understand it. Once i read it through several more times, I grew to LOVE it, it also encouraged me to read some of the other books by Sarah Dessen.
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AGE
Read this book:) 13 and up..
This book was exceptional , i think kids 13 and up would be able to read it. It does talk about some intense things so parents be ware. I do actually recommend this book.
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AGE
Not for kids, OK for tweens, Great for teens!!!
I love it! Although not all Sarah Dessen novels are appropriate for tweens, this one is all right. Ruby is a troubled teen and uses drugs and alcahol to escape from her disturbing world. She has sex with her boyfriend because she's so distressed (not explicit), but later cuts ties with him. She turns her life around, into something worth living in. She has a supporting sister and brother in law. Not only does she change through the course of the book, but she helps her neighbor, who is being hit by his own father. A great book, but only read if you are mature.
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AGE
Okay for mature readers
Not a favourite, but I enjoyed reading it, a little mature so I suggest mature readers.
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| Author: | Sarah Dessen |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Viking |
| Publication date: | April 22, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 422 |
| Hardcover price: | $18.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
| Read aloud: | 12 |
| Read alone: | 12 |
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