Parents' Guide to

Shiver

By Edward T. Sullivan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Does for werewolves what Twilight did for vampires.

Book Maggie Stiefvater Horror 2009
Shiver 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 10 parent reviews

Teacherlady10
Teacherlady10 Parent of 10-year-old
January 21, 2010
age 17+

WATCH OUT PARENTS!!!

As a high school English teacher I was shocked, disappointed and actually horrified at the glamorization and romantization of inappropriate sexual behavior between these teenagers. What are you reviewers thinking about using the word "tastefully"? There is no such thing as tasteful sex between teenagers. Have we all lost our minds these days?

This title has:

Too much sex
3 people found this helpful.
Ema J.
Ema J. Parent
August 26, 2021
age 17+

Mother of a 14, 11, 6 year old girls.

Brought these for my eldest, she loves the types of books I loved at a similar age, what I find hard is finding a 'safe to read book' I don't want my children reading sexual content. I thought I'd read first. The story is great, well written, although not the style of writing I like, some errors in occasional sentence structure. But it does bridge the gap between child adult relationships, it has violence and mention of child abuse. She does water it down almost enough for me to want to let my daughter have it now but the language is mild and the build up to the sexual experiences makes me hold back a little longer before hanging them over. This book should be for those of 17 and above by my standards, it does glorify the pressure to have sex based on raving teenager hormones. I'd definitely say it's a good little story, well written at most. So if you do get it hold onto it till they are a little older. It's worth a read when your sons and daughters are old enough. ☺️
See all 10 parent reviews

What's the Story?

For years, Grace has watched the wolves outside her Mercy Falls, Minnesota home every winter. She is particularly drawn to one with stunning yellow eyes. She is certain that it is the same wolf who saved her from its pack who attacked her when she was a young girl. When Grace meets the wounded and temporarily human Sam, she knows from his yellow eyes that he is her wolf. Immediately drawn to one another, they fall in love during their first encounter. Sam leads two lives. He is human in the spring and summer, but he turns into a wolf when the temperature turns cold. The problem Sam faces is that the longer he remains a wolf, the less time he spends in human form. A time will eventually come when he will not change back and will forever be a wolf. That time is coming soon...

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (10):
Kids say (72):

Elegantly written, Stiefvater's story offers a unique and interesting take on werewolf lore. Grace and Sam, the two protagonists, are mostly defined by their love for each other, but the author avoids brooding melodrama by injecting a fresh and playful sense of humor in their interactions. They have great chemistry. The characters are appealing, intelligent, and well-defined. Their willingness to use their intellects to deal with the challenges they face is refreshing.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what it is that makes Grace and Sam so drawn to one another. When Sam transforms from human to wolf, will he retain what it is that makes Grace love him?

  • What is unique about humans that sets us apart from other animals?

  • What can we learn about ourselves from observing and interacting with animals?

Book Details

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