Calling My Name
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Calling My Name is a lyrical, honest novel that deals with the typical teen issues of growing up, relationships, and navigating intimacy from the perspective of a devoutly religious family. Parents should be prepared to discuss Biblical takes on relationships and intimacy, the stigma and double standards around sex and girls vs. boys. They should also be prepared to discuss the pressure to succeed and the college selection process.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In CALLING MY NAME, Taja Brown has a family that loves her, friends that care, and eventually a boyfriend who makes her feel something deep. She also has a lot of questions. Questions about religion as she sits in the pews every Sunday, and in her regular life. She also has questions about all the advice from her family, friends, the church, and eventually her boyfriend. Growing up is hard, navigating everyone else's opinions. Who should she listen to? And what about listening to her own heart?
Is It Any Good?
Hauntingly honest and incredibly engaging, this novel has such rhythmic and lyrical prose that even the awful moments have significant beauty. Author Liara Tamani shows the impact of religion, peer pressure, and gender inequality on the decisions and perspective of a young woman in transition, creating a story almost any teen can relate to. Tamani perfectly captures that internal struggle that comes with finding and using your own voice and trusting yourself. While there are depictions of sex, they are not graphic, and parents/educators can use them as a gateway to discussion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about boys and girls being treated differently when it comes to dating and sex in Calling My Name. Have you noticed this kind of double standard in your life?
How stressed are you about test scores and the college application process? How do you cope with stress?
How do you maintain your boundaries and values with your friends, family, and the people you date?
Book Details
- Author: Liara Tamani
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Greenwillow Books
- Publication date: October 24, 2017
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 13 - 17
- Number of pages: 320
- Available on: Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 13, 2018
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Hate U Give
Powerful story of police shooting of unarmed Black teen.
-
Brown Girl Dreaming
Captivating poems depict coming-of-age in tumultuous 1960s.
-
Piecing Me Together
Powerful, insightful tale of self-awareness, power of art.
For kids who love coming-of-age and romance stories
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate