Parents' Guide to

The Selection, Book 1

By Julie A. Carlson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Entertaining futuristic take on reality TV dating shows.

Book Kiera Cass Science Fiction 2012
The Selection, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 12+

Based on 13 parent reviews

brodybelle
brodybelle Adult
January 11, 2020
age 15+

Very surprised by reviews -BEWARE!!

I love common sense media and I use it religiously when reviewing movies and books for my kids. I would have to say, with this series, that they really dropped the ball. And the parents saying it is ok for a 10 year old? Even 13 year old? Maybe I am a little over protective but maybe there are other moms as well who would appreciate my honesty. I got these for my 13 year old daughter for Christmas. After reading these reviews, I knew there would be some mature content but it was mild and I was confident she could handle it. I let her read these books first and then I read them. Had I read them first, I would NOT have let her read these!! Let me say that yes, this a a wonderful series and a wonderful story line and we both enjoyed them very much. They are an absolute read. But, please beware! The “sex” rating on these should have been much higher. I can’t believe that parents barely even mentioned it. There is VERY heavy making out and petting throughout all of these books. There is alluding to sex and sexual behavior throughout. Yes, it is done in a somewhat tasteful and clean way but it is very much there! As I am reading these books, I could not believe that my daughter had already read this!!!! We will be having some talks about what was read, for sure. The main character is a wholesome girl, as are most of the girls and the two main men in the books are very gentlemanly and respectful. It is definitely a good example to your daughter of how men and women should act and I would certainly be ok with my daughter reading them...but I wish I had known and waited another couple of years. There is much talk about wanting each other. There is half-nakedness. There is talk of what sex feels like the first time. There is talk of the wedding night. And as I said before, VERY MUCH making out and petting. Again, great series and I would recommend, but to an older teenager!! I really am still in shock and upset by these reviews. Maybe someone from Common sense media should read these again and update their ratings!!!!!!!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
20 people found this helpful.
Dcl1
Dcl1 Parent of 11-year-old
May 15, 2021
age 11+

AMAZING

I got this for my 11 year old and she read this trilogy in a week from what she said it was an amazing series but if you 11 year old hasn’t been introduced to some ish mature subject I would wait a bit . Altogether she said it was amazing and a great series would recommend

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
3 people found this helpful.
See all 13 parent reviews

What's the Story?

A hundred years in the future, in the country of Illea (the former United States), girls between the ages of 16 and 20 are chosen through a selection process to marry Prince Maxon Schreave, who's coming of age. The participants are housed at the royal palace and showcased on a TV program. \"The Selection\" is held so princes can marry \"women of the people to keep up the morale of our sometimes-volatile nation.\" Despite loving another boy outside her caste, America Singer enters the competition and is selected to be one of the participants. She soon discovers that Prince Maxon isn't unlikable and snotty, as she assumed him to be, but rather an honorable young man with good intentions.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (13):
Kids say (220):

Filled with romance and political intrigue, the book is weak in its creation of a dystopian world, but the story's strength lies with protagonist America and her relationships. Throughout the novel, America discovers that she might be fit for the crown, and so does Maxon, who's looking more for an ally and friend than a trophy wife.

That said, while Maxon is charismatic, his characterization often feels wooden and unrealistic. The romance between America and Aspen is more believable. America must decide which of the two boys really has her best interest at heart, and it's a tough decision.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the popularity of dystopian novels, reality dating shows, and why teens and young women are drawn to them. Why do shows like The Bachelor tend to focus on sex, scandal, and fighting among the contestants? Are these shows unhealthy? Do they degrade women and men?

  • What messages does the book send about arranged marriages, especially at such a young age?

  • America's mother is adamant that she enter "The Selection." What do you think about parents who want to live through their children? Or who choose their child's destiny for the good of the family?

  • Why are so many YA books, like The Hunger Games, optioned for television and movies? Does it make you more or less interested in reading the book if you know there's another media tie-in?

Book Details

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