Parents' Guide to

Red Hood

By Mandie Caroll, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Clever feminist spin on fairy tale honors power of women.

Book Elana K. Arnold Fantasy 2020
Red Hood Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 18+

Based on 4 parent reviews

brey0120
brey0120 Parent of 2, 9 and 11-year-old
September 14, 2022
age 18+
My 11 year old daughter was tasked by her teacher to find a fantasy book to read. We went to the library and nothing in the children’s section was peaking her interest. She is not a typical fantasy reader, but more of age appropriate horror. I let her go to the young adult section and she picked this book out. She was really enjoying it but the good kid she is came to me to say she thought it may be in appropriate for her. I took it from her and read to page 9 and agreed. Yikes. We ended up finding her another book and good thing too because I went ahead and continued reading it because why not. We had it for 2 weeks, might as well. There was another scene that was pretty graphic to me. More than it really needed to be in my opinion. It is definitely not for anyone under the age of 18. At least not something I want my daughter reading. I wish I had came here first as to not have exposed her to it. With that said, I truly enjoyed the book. It has several good, inspiring messages in it. It didn’t take long to get me hooked and I read it very quickly. Other than the sexual scenes, that in my opinion completely irrelevant to the story and not needed, it is a wonderful book.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
3 people found this helpful.
cmgriffith
cmgriffith Adult
May 19, 2021
age 18+

Not a children's book

This book blindsided me. I went in thinking I was reading YA Little Red Riding Hood retelling, but what I got was an erotica book marketed for teens with a feminist, anti-male agenda. This is a book for adults or young adults ages 18+.

This title has:

Great messages
Too much sex
Too much swearing
1 person found this helpful.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In RED HOOD, readers follow Bisou into the woods towards home after an embarrassing incident with boyfriend James. A wolf attacks her there, and in self-defense, she kills it. The next day, she learns that Tucker, a classmate who'd drunkenly forced himself on her at a dance earlier that night, was found dead where she killed the wolf, and she realizes that Tucker was probably the wolf. After Bisou saves Keisha from a similar wolf attack, and supports another friend, Maggie, who's being sexually harassed by a likely incel ("involuntary celibate"), her grandmother, Mémé, tells Bisou about the mysterious powers she's inherited that come with the full moon and her period. Mémé also fills in many blanks about Bisou's violent early childhood. The remainder of the story focuses on the bonds between Bisou, her friends, and Mémé, as well as the strength and power they find in one another to confront toxic masculinity and the real violence it engenders.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

This absorbing, gorgeously written novel both challenges and inspires readers. An early sex scene and extended descriptions of Bisou's first period may cause even strident feminists discomfort. But the underlying messages are that joyous sex between consenting teens is sometimes a healthy part of growing up and that menstruation is not inherently shameful. Readers are rewarded with lyrical prose and a magical story that affirms the power we can find in one another. Though trauma and threat of male violence is ever-present, it's inspiring to see the characters overcome their troubles.

The narrator uses "you," which effectively puts the reader in Bisou's shoes, but it may take some getting used to, and inserted poems have no context until late in the story. But aside from these small hiccups,Red Hood is a truly satisfying read. While teen readers will benefit from learning about the timely problem of toxic masculinity, they will also enjoy the twist on the classic fairy tale and remember the fierce women characters (and the men who support them) long after turning the last page.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the opening scenes in Red Hood. What surprised you? Why do you think the author included a sex scene and descriptions of menstruation in the very beginning of the story? What effect did it have on you as a reader?

  • What are your thoughts on Bisou's inherited power? Is her power the best solution to the problem of men who hurt and/or kill women? What other solution might there be?

  • What similar experiences bring togther the circle of young women Bisou befriends and Mémé advises? Do you share a strong bond with a friend or a group of friends? How do they help you? How do you help them?

Book Details

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