Tools for this page
Print

Pretty Dead

(2009, Fiction - Fantasy, Written by Francesca Lia Block)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    1.0

  • Common Sense says

    Pretty graphic and explicit for a teen vampire read.

Themes in this book include:   loss, revenge

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Not an issue.
 

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Negative messages only. Any means to an end, no remorse. Violence, sex, and death are glorified.

  • Role models:

    As fallen angels, these vampires have no remorse and no goal but personal pleasure at any cost, including the corruption of young, innocent teens.

  • Violence:

    An episode of S&M sex. Wrists slit in a bathtub. Murder and suicide figure heavily into the plot and death is seen as beautiful. Annihilation is glorified and violence is a means to any end.

  • Sex:

    It is strongly implied that Charlotte has sex with her 13-year-old twin brother. Graphic, adult sex scenes would be rated "R" in a movie version. Very old vampires seduce very young teens. Descriptions of sexual acts performed in public places.

  • Language:

    "F--k," "s--t," and  "hell" are all uttered.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    All of the main characters drink large amounts of wine frequently.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pretty Dead

Parents need to know that this is vampire horror on the level of Anne Rice. It features very explicit sex and exploitation of teens for vampire gratification. Horrific acts of murder and destruction are spectator sports. This book should not be marketed for teens.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the vampire craze. What do you think makes them so popular?
  • Families can also talk about why this popular teen author has gone this direction. Who do you think the book is right for?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Pretty Dead?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    blu3cupcak3s
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    Not for the youngsters :D

    well, ide have to say it was an excellent book and if you dont pay attention to all the "age inappropriate" stuff. then it is actually a pretty good book :]

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Qinnaisha
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    good

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 6+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    Age 3+
    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.