Breathe My Name

Book review by Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media
Breathe My Name Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

Teen copes after sisters die at mom's hand.

R. A. Nelson Contemporary Fiction 2007
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 2 reviews

Kids say

age 12+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this book.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this is a book you may want to read before your kids do. A mother kills three of her children and attempts to kill a fourth. Parents should also be aware there are instances of serious mental illness, sexual situations, some product placement, and issues of adoption, forgiveness, coping, and trust in this very heavy, often disturbing book.

Community Reviews

alibaba1
alibaba1 Adult
August 9, 2011
age 15+

frightening because the monsters are real

My teen recommended this book, and I read it in about 3 hours. I could not put it down, it was very, very compelling. Of course, after reading it, and knowing my teen had found it so compelling as well, led to a serious discussion of the mental health and violent images in the book. This was good, however, I wish I had read the book before her and prepared for the issues. It is a heartbreaking, tragic story, that will make you want to hug your kids for a long time!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Too much violence
christian_carmela
christian_carmela Adult
February 20, 2009
age 14+

You Have To READ THIS!!

It was an amazing book. Kind of hard to follow at first but stick with it. You will not be disappointed.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Frances' story could have been ripped from the headlines: \"Mother Kills Her Three Children, Attempts to Kill Fourth.\" This novel picks up after the incident -- Frances copes with her grief and anger while she tries to live a normal life. When she's paired up in chemistry class with an unusual new student, Nix, Frances struggles with trusting their friendship with her biggest secret. How can she open up when she still worries about her mother finding her again?

Is It Any Good?

BREATHE MY NAME is an intense novel that's hard to put down. The reader is forced to relieve the most horrific moments in Frances' childhood. If they can cope well with the startling subject matter, they will enjoy this nicely paced, contemporary story.

R.A. Nelson walks the audience through Frances' emotional journey with grace, conveying horror without sensationalism. Teens will see themselves in Frances as she struggles with things outside of her control, like her past, while navigating through the trials of the average teen experience. The tone is increasingly hopeful except for one jarring moment in the final plot twist that feels more like a made-for-TV movie incident. That aside, this will entrance the right mature reader who likes books on tough teen topics.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how important trust is in a friendship. Do you have a friend who you can trust with your own issues and pain? Have you ever had a friend place their trust in you?Families can also talk about the media's role in sensationalizing the news and empathizing with those who are featured in news stories.

Book Details

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