Common Sense Media Review
By Kate Pavao
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Strong story with anxiety, teen parenthood themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
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?
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 :
- 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
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