Parents' Guide to

The Here and Now

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Teen time traveler fights for better world in smart sci-fi.

The Here and Now Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

THE HERE AND NOW is a book of speculative fiction that certainly will get readers thinking. By setting Prenna's horrible world not too far in the future, author Ann Brashares brings attention to the global-warming crisis, making readers wonder if we're doing enough to prevent the devastating problems the protagonist experiences. Also, readers might be impressed by the technologically advanced world Prenna describes (although she says most of the cool technologies "weren't working so well by the time I was born"): She's used a small device that can record everything that happens to you and let people "retrace any part of our life you want" -- and help solve crimes.

The book moves quickly, with big ideas about time travel, technology, and more, but there's also plenty of romance and adventure as Ethan and Prenna fall in love while trying to save the world. But it's really the bigger questions that Brashares raises -- such as, what happens when "other people besides you have access to your life" through your recorded memories? -- that could lead to some fun conversations or at least some good soul searching.

Book Details

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate