Common Sense Media Review
By Rachel Sarah
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving story about three teens struggling in crisis.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
In LITTLE DO WE KNOW, next-door neighbors and friends since birth Hannah and Emory are no longer speaking to each other. Now they are high school seniors who go to separate schools. Feelings were hurt; there's clearly a secret. In alternating chapters, we learn about Hannah, the daughter of a pastor who is also the principal of her Christian high school, and about Emory, who wants to act at UCLA and make the most of her time left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head to separate colleges. When Hannah finds Emory's boyfriend unconscious inside his car one night, the friends are reconnected and secrets are revealed.
Is It Any Good?
This is a compelling, emotional story about friendship, faith, loyalty, and love. It tackles a lot of tough issues, including sexual assault and speaking up for a friend in crisis. Little Do We Know highlights the ripple effects of the assault as well as the struggle to tell the truth. Emory is a very relatable and enjoyable narrator. Her relationship with Luke is respectful and loving. Hannah's struggle to stand up for her friend is a little less believable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how sexual assault is portrayed and dealt with in Little Do We Know. Why would someone feel she has to keep this a secret?
Why are stories about sexual assault important to read, even if they make readers uncomfortable?
What do you think of how Hannah and Emory's sexual relationship is presented? Does it seem realistic?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Arts , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date : June 5, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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