Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong friendships help teens overcome in gripping thriller.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE GIRL IN QUESTION picks up Nora and her friends' story just after graduating high school. Nora decides she wants to take a backpacking trip to a remote fire watchtower where her girlfriend Iris has an internship waiting. Best friend Wes is coming, too, of course, and asks if his new girlfriend Amanda can come, too. Just a few days into the 55-mile trek, they start to see signs that they're not alone in the remote woods. Nora's sure it can only mean one thing: Her abusive stepfather Raymond is on her trail and out for revenge. But can the four teens trust themselves, and each other, enough to escape Raymond's clutches and get out of the woods alive?
Is It Any Good?
This action-packed sequel will keep readers on the edge of their seats with its continued blending of past and present building suspense along the way. The alternating points of view and points in time in The Girl in Question may cause some confusion here and there, but chapter headings and different page colors help get the reader back on track. Author Tess Sharpe continues to balance the excitement with plenty of funny banter and a little romance, too.
The four teens start to feel more like antiheroes in this continuing story, even though they act in self defense or to get out of a bad situation. There's a clear message that killing your abuser is not only morally justified but possibly healing, too. Readers will relate to the teens as they navigate trust, healing, making choices, and finding inner strength. The ending offers closure and a lot of food for thought about these issues and more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Girl in Question. Is it too much? Is it realistic? Does it make a difference if it is?
How much strong language is OK in books? Is it different for movies, TV, videos, etc.? Why, or why not?
Are Nora and her friends good role models? What are their character strengths and weaknesses? How does teamwork help them through their ordeal?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Little, Brown and Company
- Publication date : May 14, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 18
- Number of pages : 416
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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