Take Me Home Tonight
Dramatic, fast-paced tale set in NYC highlights friendship.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Morgan Matson's Take Me Home Tonight is a dramatic, fast-paced coming-of-age tale about two best friends and one adventurous night in New York City. A character is mugged and threatened with a fake knife. Characters have a gun pointed at them, and someone gets shot. Kids and their babysitter are chased by a man pretending to be in the CIA. Characters flirt, kiss, and hold hands. There's a reference to Netflix and chill. Underage characters drink, and there are mentions of champagne, beer, vodka, and bongs. Strong language includes variations of "f--k," "s--t," "hell," "ass," and "douche."
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What's the Story?
TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT follows high school seniors and best friends Kat and Stevie during one unforgettable night in New York City. Kat had it all planned out: They'd see their theater teacher's play, use Stevie's birthday dinner reservation to eat at one of the most popular restaurants, and make it home before any of their parents found out. But what happens when the girls lose the only phone they brought with them and get separated?
Is It Any Good?
Morgan Matson's dramatic, fast-paced coming-of-age tale highlights friendship, family, communication and perseverance. Told from multiple perspectives, the story shows how Kat and Stevie's friendship is put to the test during one unforgettable phoneless night in New York City. Kat often comes across as annoying and selfish, but readers will appreciate how she becomes a more supportive friend to Stevie while also realizing there's more to life than theater. Readers will also appreciate how Stevie finds her voice and develops a stronger relationship with her dad and step-siblings.
While there are plenty of hilarious mishaps and swoon-worthy scenes, Take Me Home Tonight could do without Teri's chapters, which felt unnecessary and too far-fetched. However, teens will find important lessons about being present, enjoying the moment in person, and paying attention to the small details to show people you love them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how romance is portrayed in Take Me Home Tonight. Does it seem realistic and relatable? Do young adult romance novels help readers sort out their feelings and learn how to communicate, or do they create false expectations about teen relationships?
What messages do you take away from Take Me Home Tonight about taking risks and going outside your comfort zone?
How do the characters demonstrate perseverance and communication? Why are these important characteristics?
Book Details
- Author: Morgan Matson
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Adventures, Friendship, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: May 4, 2021
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 18
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: June 6, 2022
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