Tools for this page
Print

  • 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 11, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Friendly social site for fans of young adult novels.

On this site kids can:   blog, connect with friends, connect with like-minded kids, enter contests, express themselves, meet people, post comments, read stories

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    The books offered aren't exactly educational, but users get a chance to exercise critical thinking and express themselves in their reviews and blogs.

  • Messages:

    Messages vary based on which books are available.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Some books about witches, demons, and other evil creatures. In one book, the main character's father was murdered.

  • Sex:

    Mild banter like "Biting is sexy" (in reference to vampires); one book deals with purity rings and pressure to have sex.

  • Language:

    Generally, language in posts and blogs is mild, with a few stronger words here and there ("bullcrap," "hoe," "b*tchin").

  • Consumerism:

    Occasionally directs readers to the Simon & Schuster store to purchase a book.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One book focuses on a character's struggles with drugs and alcohol. Users' comments on the book are very anti-drug.
 

How safe is it?

  • Personal privacy:

    Visitors must provide a mailing address in order to sign up -- the site says "it will only be used if we need to ship you a prize." Profiles can contain a username and photo. No email addresses or locations are displayed, but there's an "About Me" open text field in each profile.

  • Online interaction:

    The vast majority of interactions are respectful. However, one user expressed a concern about not being able to block a user who was sending her unwanted messages. There are community guidelines, and users can flag objectionable posts.

  • Parental controls:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About PulseIt

Parents need to know that this "book social networking site" features a rotating selection of new titles published by Simon & Schuster, which teens ages 14-18 can read online and discuss. (Only teens in this age group are permitted to register on the site.) Visitors must provide a mailing address to sign up, and it may take several days for an account for be approved by the webmaster. In general, users' interactions are friendly and respectful, and the books seem to be age-appropriate. (Two of the current selections include Girl Stays in the Picture by Melissa de la Cruz and City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.)

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Internet safety with social networking sites. What information is OK to reveal in your profile and posts, and what's off limits? What would you do if another user was bothering or harassing you?

  • Discuss creativity and self-expression. Why do certain books touch us? What kind of stories do your teens have to tell? Families can discuss the risks and rewards of sharing our writing and talk about giving and receiving constructive criticism.

Tools and tips that can help

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

Our Members Say

Use this Web site? Review It!

  • What did you think about PulseIt?

  •  I think this Web site is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

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.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Book of the Week

    Age 10+
    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

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.