Parents' Guide to

Picture Me Gone

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Missing-man mystery best for sophisticated teen readers.

Picture Me Gone Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 13+

Based on 2 parent reviews

age 12+

Amazing book!

Unfortunately my children have now 'grown out of the bedtime story phase!'and now practically live in their iPhones. However, in the rare occasion my children are looking for a book, I knew Meg Rosoff was the way to go! My 17 year old son loved this book, as did my 15 year old, Riley. Being the mature teenagers that they are, they recommended that Zack, my youngest (ten years of age) did not read it. This was because it featured the words, fuck, shit, bloody and piss. It also featured heavily on the tragic death of a twelve year old in a car collision. Also, it features a young girl smoking, and also references sex a few times. Also, it referenced drinking alcohol and committing suicide. Overall, this book is amazing for mature twelve/thirteen year olds +. Thanks to you and the incredible author Meg Rosoff.

This title has:

Great role models
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
age 14+

An enjoyable read.

I read this book for a Young Adult Literature class and I thought it was easy to read, the message was that kids do try to understand their environment even when they do not have a broad worldview. I would recommend it to any child who wants to read this book. It is well written, nonjudgmental, and has elements that DO affect children in real life, but it does not bring out the angst in any of the situations it touches upon.

This title has:

Educational value

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (2 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

The heart of the plot of PICTURE ME GONE is pretty adult; in fact, the book's set more in the the world of adults than that of children. Even so, there are so many rich and wonderful details here that make it a good choice for sophisticated teens. For example, Mila's dad is a translator who says that, to do his job, "It is not necessary to sympathize with the writer, to agree with what he's written...it is necessary to walk alongside and stay in step." This parallels his ability to stand by his friend, even when he doesn't understand his hurtful actions.

The mystery around the missing man's story will keep readers engaged, but it's really Mila, her neat family, and the keen observations about people and life gleaned by the girl who's "good at solving puzzles" that make up the most memorable pieces.

Book Details

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