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One Lonely Degree

Name: One Lonely Degree
Item: One Lonely Degree
Rating: 3
Author: Terreece Clarke

Book review by

Terreece Clarke, Common Sense Media

Common Sense says

age 15+

(i)

Teen deals with rape, divorce, and friendship issues.

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Kids say

age 14+

Based on 1 review

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A lot or a little?

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

Educational Value

Positive Messages

The novel focuses on a young girl finding her way through difficult situations. One positive message to take away is the importance of having reliable friends to lean on during turbulent times.

Positive Role Models & Representations

The teens and adults are portrayed realistically, so they have flaws, but overall they are pretty good role models. The parents struggle with their own issues, but they make a great effort at being there for their kids. The teen characters are basically good kids dealing with tough issues in the best way they can.

Violence

A girl slaps a boy in the face, leaving a red mark, and a teen boy tries to fight another teen. Also, a girl is held against her will as a boy tries to force her to give him oral sex.

Sex

There is flirting, boyfriend/girlfriend relationships, sexual banter, and heavy petting. One teen boy is described as being gay.

Language

Frequent use of swear words like "s-t" and several uses of" f-k."

Consumerism

Some mentions of music bands.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Teens drink and take drugs at a party, and there is talk of teens using drugs and drinking frequently at other times.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that there are some serious scenes in which divorce is discussed, attempted rape is described, and some sexual situations are portrayed. There's also liberal use of swear words.

User Reviews

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Teen, 13 years old Written byBeliefs-Wonder May 1, 2010

age 14+

Number 1, there ain't nothin wrong with being gay, it ain't 'my' cup of tea, but they ain't hurting anyone. Second, when I have kids, t... Continue reading

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What's the story?

Finn is 15 and an outcast at school. She and her best friend Audrey stick together, especially after what happened at a party with a popular boy at school. Finn tries to block everything out -- the "incident," school, her parents' arguments, her feelings for a guy named Jersy, but slowly things start to fall apart. She freezes every time she sees Adam at school, her parents' fights aren't so quiet anymore, and though Jersy is dating Audrey, Finn can't shake her feelings. How is she ever going to figure all of this out?

Is it any good?

Martin does a great job of developing believable, likable characters. The story is compelling and engaging, and teens will definitely be able to relate to all the teen angst and drama.

However, there isn't anything really new or different here. The book is a pretty typical coming-of-age story with difficult life situations many teens encounter while dealing with raging hormones, high school social anxiety, and questions about who they are as people. Teens will enjoy the book, but may not necessarily remember it after they finish the last page.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about having a strong support system. Do you have friends and family that you can talk to about your private thoughts and feelings?
What are the signs of date rape? What should you do if you or someone you know is raped? Who would you talk to, and where would you go for help?