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One Lonely Degree

(2009, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by C.K. Kelly Martin)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Teen deals with rape, divorce, and friendship issues.

Themes in this book include:   dating/crushes, family relationships, friendship, growing up

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.

  • Messages:

    The novel focuses on a young girl finding her way through difficult situations. One positive message to take away is the importance of having reliable friends to lean on during turbulent times.

  • Role models:

    The teens and adults are portrayed realistically, so they have flaws, but overall they are pretty good role models. The parents struggle with their own issues, but they make a great effort at being there for their kids. The teen characters are basically good kids dealing with tough issues in the best way they can.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A girl slaps a boy in the face, leaving a red mark, and a teen boy tries to fight another teen. Also, a girl is held against her will as a boy tries to force her to give him oral sex.

  • Sex:

    There is flirting, boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, sexual banter, and heavy petting. One teen boy is described as being gay.

  • Language:

    Frequent use of swear words like "s-t" and several uses of" f-k."

  • Consumerism:

    Some mentions of music bands.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teens drink and take drugs at a party, and there is talk of teens using drugs and drinking frequently at other times.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About One Lonely Degree

Parents need to know that there are some serious scenes in which divorce is discussed, attempted rape is described, and some sexual situations are portrayed. There's also liberal use of swear words.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about having a strong support system. Do you have friends and family that you can talk to about your private thoughts and feelings?
  • What are the signs of date rape? What should you do if you or someone you know is raped? Who would you talk to, and where would you go for help?
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