Swim the Fly
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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 14, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Stereotypical boys, objectified girls, no redeeming message.
Why We Rated This
for Ages 14–15
What to watch out for
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Role models:
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Swim the Fly
Parents need to know that the focus of this coming-of-age novel is the main characters' goal to see a naked woman in real life, without the woman's knowledge. The boys lie to parents, girls, and a swim coach. They tease each other about masturbation and refer to using internet porn and reading Playboy. They attend a party where teens are drinking, and they spy on and take pictures of a couple who are planning to have sex at the party. There are no real consequences for their behavior and, in fact, they are rewarded in some ways. By the time Matt decides not to lie anymore, the book is almost over and he has a girlfriend anyway. Matt's dad left his mom for a younger woman, but this is only mentioned in passing and not really explored as far as how this might affect the family.
Read our full review by Abby Aldrich
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the boys' goal. Why was there such urgency about it? What does the fact that they wanted to see a naked woman without her knowledge say about how they view women as people?
- Matt's dad left his mom for a younger woman, and his grandfather is not honest in his relationships either. How do you think this could affect Matt's relationships? How do you think Matt could overcome these influences?
- Why would Kelly get back together with Tony after he cheated on her so often? Why was Matt so preoccupied with Kelly when she couldn't even remember his name?
- Why didn't Matt notice Valerie until she expressed interest in him?

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