 | 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. |
The Nature of Jade
- By Deb Caletti
- Genre: Coming of Age
Common Sense Media says
Strong story with anxiety, teen parenthood themes.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this book centers around a high school girl's complicated first love: a slightly older guy with a child of his own. He admits to Jade that he ran away with the boy trying to escape from his son's mother, who is trying to reclaim custody. Jade's got other complications as well: Not only is she on medication for anxiety, but she finds out her mother has kissed another man. Other than that, there is some occasional swearing, and Jade gives a vague description of having sex with her boyfriend.
What's the story?
When Jade gets involved with a boy she meets while working at the zoo -- a boy with a child of his own -- her already complicated life gets a bit more intense. Especially when she learns he is on the run from his son's mother.
Is it any good?
This rich book by National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti succeeds on many levels: It features a likable protagonist (anxiety-ridden Jade, who slowly discovers her inner strength); it has plenty of drama (the cute boy Jade meets at the zoo has a child of his own, and is on the run from the kid's mother); and it weaves wonderful animal anecdotes throughout that parallel Jade's own story (and provide readers with some fascinating facts).
Readers may feel like some of the characters are a bit much, including Sebastian's straight-talking fiercely protective grandmother, and Damian, the Zen-like elephant keeper. But they will certainly find Jade very real -- especially her struggle to understand just how complicated life (and the people you love) can be.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about other books and movies they've seen featuring teen pregnancy and parents. Do you find any of the portrayals to be accurate -- or are they lacking in any way? Do these stories glamorize teen parenthood -- or help kids learn the risks and responsibilities that come with sex? This conversation could be a good opener for parents to gently discuss their own values and expectations when it comes to teens and sex.
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May 3, 2009
AGE
Love this book
I love this book! The characters are so real and they way Deb Calleti writes is awesome!
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AGE
The best book eva!
I love this book. It is so vivid, the characters seem like real people. Sebastian is about 20, and has a kid named bo, however he says that, while he loves bo with all his heart, he realizes that having a kid at his age isn't a good thing. Amazing role models, too. BTW, though, I'm not finished with it, so I may be missing something
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AGE
Love Jade!!
I love this book!! It gives a lot of insight about elephants and its connection to people. It's one of my favorite books where Jade, though suffering from anxiety, learns what love is,etc. I like the characters and most are very believable. But that is beside the point. I tend to love books because of its message. If it inspires me or makes me think then I love it. I don't care if a character is too over the top because a fiction is supposed to do that. That is what makes fiction so great! Sorry to get on a random tangent. Give this book a chance and you will find out many things about life. Actually, any book by Deb Caletti does that. Be inspired to read great books like this one:)
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AGE
love it!
I LOVE this book! one of my favorites, the main character is very down to earth, someone to look up to. She also studies elephants and stuff, so there's a little education thrown in. and Sebastian is amazing, too. He's one of my favorite characters.
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AGE
This book was just okay. The story was a bit hard to follow and not extremely interesting. There is little iffy stuff, but Sebastian is harboring a potentially illegal secret.
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AGE
Love it! I'm a parent and a librarian. I like to know what kids are reading. This was one of better tween books read in a long time, and it's not about vampires. It's about an everday girl struggling with growing up in stressful world. As parent of daughter who suffers from panic attacks, this book is right on!
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AGE
Loved It!!!
This Is a really good book, but it isn't for younger kids. I would reccommend it for a child eight grade and up. The book is very intense. Not in a sexual or violent way, but in the way it's written.
I loved this book!!! one of the best i have ever read.
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AGE
Don't hesitate, read.
I have read this book multiple times, and with each read I found myself more and more amazed at the quality of the writing, the depth of the characters, and the beauty of the plot.The Nature of Jade is more than a love story; it explores the complications of family life, living with anxiety, relationships, friendship, and self discovery. Jade finds herself through her relationship with Sebastian and a new job working with elephants at the local zoo. If you are concerned about possibly mature content, I would advise you not to worry. The book never directly says that Jade and Sebastian have sex, and it explains the emotions and decisions in their relationship perfectly. You must, must read it. It is powerful, has wonderful themes, and is overall a fantastic read for adults and teens.
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| Author: | Deb Caletti |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Coming of Age |
| Publisher: | Simon Pulse |
| Publication date: | February 27, 2008 |
| Number of pages: | 304 |
| Hardcover price: | $16.99 |
| Paperback price: | $8.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 12 - 12 |
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