Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Powerful, inspiring story of date rape and accountability.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE LUIS ORTEGA SURVIVAL CLUB is narrated by Ari Ruiz, who's on the autism spectrum and has selective mutism. As the story begins, Ari is trying to understand what happened to her at a weekend party. She had sex with Luis Ortega and, while she didn't say no, her mutism meant that she was incapable of saying yes. When Ari returns to school on Monday, the rumors and slut-shaming begin. A mysterious note in her locker leads Ari to a small circle of fellow students who, like Ari, have been abused by Luis. All the girls are outsiders, which made them vulnerable targets. They decide to make Luis pay for what he did to them -- and to expose the fact that he framed another teen for giving a date rape drug to a girl at a party. Along the way, the group forms deep friendships, and Ari unexpectedly finds first love.
Is It Any Good?
This impactful book is so much more than a story about revenge. The Luis Ortega Survival Club is about seeking justice, the power of friendships, and how little the differences between us mean. Alongside the primary storyline, readers will find lots to relate to, like trying to fit in at school when you're "different," how hard it can be to find good friends, reaching high for a dream, and dealing with challenging family dynamics. This is ultimately a hopeful, inspiring pick for any teen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Luis Ortega Survival Club deals with Ari's rape. Why was it so difficult for Ari to understand that she had been sexually assaulted?
How did the members of the Survival Club show not only courage in their quest to expose Luis but also compassion toward the challenges faced by others in the group?
What can you learn from reading books with a diverse cast of characters?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Balzer + Bray
- Publication date : May 23, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 13 - 17
- Number of pages : 305
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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