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The Six Rules of Maybe (by Deb Caletti)

common sense media says

Tender tale of good girl learning to live her own life.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Scarlett's sister, who had an active sex life in high school, gets pregnant before getting married. Scarlett kisses a couple boys, including her surprised new brother-in-law. There is some swearing, and one character smokes at night.  Readers will admire Scarlett's deep caring for the people in her world, as well as her growing ability to stand up for herself. They will find lots of good messages here, most importantly to that it's OK to hope, pursue what you want -- and to "know when you've reached an end."

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Readers will find lots of messages here, most importantly that it's OK to hope, pursue what you want -- and to "know when you've reached an end."
Positive role models: Scarlett's deep caring for the people in her world is something to be admired. Her ability to ultimately stand up for herself and let other people work out their own problems is also admirable.
Violence: One troubled character makes a bomb to get back at his girlfriend's parents. It explodes, breaking a window and starting a fire. 
Sex: Juliet gets pregnant before she's married -- and had an active sex life in high school. Scarlett knows her teen neighbor and her boyfriend are home alone together after school. Scarlett kisses her sister's husband, but is quickly told to stop. She later kisses a boy from school. 
Language: There's a sprinkling of the f-word among other biggies, but its not overwhelming.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Hayden smokes cigarettes at night. Scarlett tries one, but he takes it away from her.
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More on The Six Rules of Maybe

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the actual "Six Rules of Maybe." These rules say that your should  "Begin with belief" and "Know what you desire"... but also that you should quit when you've figured out you can't get what you want. How do you know when you've reached that point? Do you think quitting is ever the right decision?
  • This book features two very different sisters: One who is very selfless, and one who is used to getting what she wants. Which one do you identify more with? Which sister do you think has more to learn?
  • Scarlett is always doing nice things for other people, including sending mail to a lonely neighbor. Do people like this really exist in the world? Can you think of real life people who've gone out of their way to help others? What are some things you can do to help people in your school or community?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Scarlett is upset when her selfish sister Juliet returns home pregnant and married to a kind man she doesn't seem to love. Romantic Hayden, who constantly writes love notes that her sister doesn't appreciate, seems like a better match for Scarlett; she is the selfless sister who always gets involved in everyone's lives, trying to help them out. But Scarlett has a lot to learn about how complicated love can be -- and about how to start pursuing her own path.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Like Caletti's other work, this is a rich, emotional novel filled with life lessons that will touch readers' hearts. They will certainly identify with sweet Scarlett and understand why she is angry at her sister's inability to appreciate all that she has, including a wonderful husband and baby on the way.

They may, however, find that some of Scarlett's kind acts strain credibility; towards the end of the book she goes so far as to stuff a lonely neighbor's mailbox full of letters and postcards she has written, and even hangs paper cranes from his  tree.  Even so, it's the smaller, more realistic moments that will really stick with readers, such as when Scarlett's mom realizes how much her younger daughter needs her, or when Juliet finally admits that she is afraid of how much she loves the new family she's creating.  

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Deb Caletti
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: March 16, 2010
Number of pages: 336
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 14
Read Alone: 14
This review was written by Kate Pavao
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

brookenoelle188
teen, 14 years old
14
 
Book is awesomee, & eye watering at the end.
This book was sooo good:) I couldn't put it down, i finished it in 2 days! I think this book is great because Scarlet (Main Character) is a regular teenager, & has a lot of obstacles. I gotta read more of Deb Caletti's books! They're sooo good. I recommend this book for ages 12 & up. Just because young kids wont understand. This book is inspiring.
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