Smash It!
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What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Smash It! by Francina Simone is a novel about high school student Olivia, who vows to be bold, learn to take a compliment, and, stand out instead of standing back. Her two specific quests are to get and smash a role in the school theater production, a rap version of Shakespeare's Othello, and to lose her virginity. Many of the characters have casual sexual relationships, including one teen who suggests that her girlfriend sleep with the guy she's previously slept with. There's also a lot of talk about sex and masturbation, using candid descriptions and words like "penis," "vagina," and "ass." The issue of sexual consent comes up often and is illustrated through realistic conversations. An adult love triangle leads to domestic violence. A father and son have a physical fight, including throwing objects. Strong language includes, "s--t," "f--k," "ass," "asshole," the "N" word, "nigga," "bitch," and "pissed." There are also racial and ethnic jokes.
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What's the story?
When SMASH IT! begins, high school student Olivia is auditioning for a role in the school theater production, a rap version of Othello, obsessing over her childhood best friends Eli (whom she has a crush on) and Dre (who has a crush on her), and contemplating losing her virginity. She gets the part. Her romantic entanglements get increasingly complicated as she deals with jealousy, romantic rivalry, and interpreting all the good and bad advice from friends.
Is it any good?
This is a relatable read for mature readers only. Author Francina Simone does an excellent job in Smash It! capturing just how intense and dramatic teen life can get. These high school students balance sustaining old relationships as they change, negotiating new ones, and dealing with their hormones. Olivia, the first-person narrator, is funny, smart, and irreverent. The other characters, teens and adults alike, are quirky and believable. The weakness of the book is its focus on sex. The question of whom Olivia will lose her virginity with overwhelms every other topic.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about consent for sex in Smash It! What do you think about how and when different characters approach the discussion?
In Smash It! kids belong to different cliques, like "band kids" and "theater kids." What are the groups in your school? Do you belong to any?
Have you ever made a list of goals for your school year? How did pursuing those goals affect you, whether you achieved them or not?
Book details
- Author: Francina Simone
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Brothers and Sisters, Friendship, High School, Misfits and Underdogs
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Inkyard Press
- Publication date: September 22, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 16 - 18
- Number of pages: 360
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Kindle
- Last updated: February 11, 2021
Our editors recommend
For kids who love stories of school theater and tales of consent
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