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Parents' Guide to

The Nature of Jade

By Kate Pavao, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Strong story with anxiety, teen parenthood themes.

Book Deb Caletti Coming of Age 2008
The Nature of Jade Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 15+

Based on 2 parent reviews

WPL Librarian
WPL Librarian Parent of 17-year-old
July 15, 2010
age 17+
Love it! I'm a parent and a librarian. I like to know what kids are reading. This was one of better tween books read in a long time, and it's not about vampires. It's about an everday girl struggling with growing up in stressful world. As parent of daughter who suffers from panic attacks, this book is right on!
music724
music724 Adult
May 3, 2009
age 13+

Love this book

I love this book! The characters are so real and they way Deb Calleti writes is awesome!
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

When Jade gets involved with a boy she meets while working at the zoo -- a boy with a child of his own -- her already complicated life gets a bit more intense. Especially when she learns he is on the run from his son's mother.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2 ):
Kids say (8 ):

This rich book by National Book Award finalist Deb Caletti succeeds on many levels. It features a likable protagonist (anxiety-ridden Jade, who slowly discovers her inner strength); it has plenty of drama (the cute boy Jade meets at the zoo has a child of his own, and is on the run from the kid's mother); and it weaves wonderful animal anecdotes throughout that parallel Jade's own story (and provide readers with some fascinating facts).

Readers may feel like some of the characters are a bit much, including Sebastian's straight-talking fiercely protective grandmother, and Damian, the Zen-like elephant keeper. But they will certainly find Jade very real -- especially her struggle to understand just how complicated life (and the people you love) can be.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about other books and movies they've seen featuring teen pregnancy and parents. Do you find any of the portrayals to be accurate -- or are they lacking in any way? Do these stories glamorize teen parenthood -- or help kids learn the risks and responsibilities that come with sex? This conversation could be a good opener for parents to gently discuss their own values and expectations when it comes to teens and sex.

Book Details

  • Author: Deb Caletti
  • Genre: Coming of Age
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Simon Pulse
  • Publication date: February 27, 2008
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 12
  • Number of pages: 304
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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.

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