Parents' Guide to

Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood

By Pam Gelman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

End of pants-swap series fits older teens best.

Book Ann Brashares Friendship 2007
Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 13+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Slytherin4ever
Slytherin4ever Parent of 7-year-old
November 1, 2022
age 11+

Very Good.

The book has some times where it might not be appropriate. But, I will let you see those parts yourself. Otherwise very inspirational, sweet, and good hearted.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
ConcernedMother1304
ConcernedMother1304 Parent of 9, 11, 13 and 16-year-old
December 10, 2009
age 12+

Never will I allow it. . . .

It involved too much sex, and negative events. I didn't like the excuses that "they are in college so it's okay". I think that is a dumb excuse, and that the girls are horrible role models for girls. I would never let my daughter read this....

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

It's the fourth summer for the women of the Sisterhood: Bridget works on a dig in Turkey and becomes involved with a married man; Lena returns to RISD, becomes involved with a boy in her class, and is reunited with an old flame from Greece; Tibby enrolls in a summer class in New York, takes her relationship with boyfriend Brian to the next level, and then questions everything about it; Carmen, under the wing of a popular friend at school, travels to Vermont to pursue theater, lands a plum role, and must face her friend-turned-rival. The four women keep in touch electronically and through the pants, until the pants disappear. This loss brings them together and on a trek to Greece to search for this symbol of their bond.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (5):

This book is a logical and satisfying end to a successful series, though the subject matter is a better fit for teens, who will better understand what the girls are going through. The main characters continue to grow into their own unique women; as they transition to young adulthood, all four struggle with learning more about who they are, but they accept their faults, solve problems on their own, and embrace the future. There's enough plotting here to keep readers interested in these beloved character's stories -- and even the magical pants themselves go on a little adventure.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about this book's more mature content. Why do you think the author decided to include more sex and romance in the final book in this series? Do you think that was a good choice?

  • Also, these books have been made into movies. How do they compare? Do you like it when your books become movies -- or do you prefer to have your own ideas about what the characters look like?

Book Details

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