Parents' Guide to

Roxy

By Michael Berry, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Teen sibs fall under spell of drugs come to life.

Book Neal Shusterman , Jarrod Shusterman Fantasy 2021
Roxy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

Thankfulmom
Thankfulmom Parent of 14-year-old
January 6, 2022
age 14+

Drug Point of View

Roxy is another great idea from Neal and Jarrod Shusterman. It not only is based inside of the opioid epidemic from the perspective of two teen siblings, it also covers the perspective of a wide variety of drugs. Roxy is one of the main characters and is an opioid. This book shows the personification of what drugs are trying to do to the users and the relationship between the two. Humanizing the drugs make what they do hit home.
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What's the Story?

As ROXY begins, the mystical beings who preside over the Party bet that they can choose two mortals and tempt them into drug addiction. They select Ivy and Isaac, two older teens with bright futures ahead of them. When Isaac fractures his ankle and Ivy needs help concentrating on her studies, Roxy and Addison are there to urge them to try some chemical relief.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (3 ):

"High-concept" thrillers are often rewarding, and this allegorical tale of love and addiction pulls off its narrative challenges with flair. The Shustermans are known for their intricate use of theme, and Roxy gives them plenty of room to explore drug use from a variety of angles. Ivy and Isaac are compelling characters, well rounded and believable, and so are Roxy and Addison, in their own ways. Roxy is something different, not for every reader but rewarding for those who want to be challenged,

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Roxy gives personalities to various drugs, from the laid-back friendliness of alcohol to the dangerous energy of crystal meth.

  • Why has there been an epidemic of painkiller abuse across the nation? Who is responsible -- doctors. patients, pharmaceutical companies, politicians, parents?

  • Are addicts "bad" people? Is addiction a disease?

Book Details

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