Common Sense Media Review
By Carrie Kingsley
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fake dating turns real and opposites attract in fun romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 28 kid reviews
Kids say that this book is a captivating and fun read, with a sweet romance between the main characters that evolves from a fake dating scenario, although it contains mild swearing and some mature themes such as divorce and references to sex. While many readers enjoyed the engaging plot and relatability of the characters, some expressed concerns about the appropriateness of the content for younger audiences, suggesting it is best suited for teens aged 12 and up.
- relatable characters
- enjoyable romance
- mild language
- mature themes
- recommended for teens
- fast-paced read
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE UPSIDE OF FALLING, quiet, studious Becca only trusts the love she reads about in romance novels after her parents' divorce, and football captain Brett wants nothing more than to make his seemingly perfect parents proud. Neither is interested in love, but both want to get their parents to stop bugging them about not dating anyone. So they make a pact: They'll pretend to be a couple, their families will be happy, and Brett and Becca don't have to worry about real romance. Of course that can't last, and the fake relationship that develops between them is rooted in honesty and vulnerability that comes with opening up. When they each face the troubles within their own family, they have to decide if it's better to ditch the fake romance or let each other in and be real.
Is It Any Good?
While the plot is fairly predictable, the main characters' chemistry and vulnerability help make this teen romance an enjoyable, fun read. The Upside of Falling takes the school social scene that many readers navigate daily and adds a hopeful twist: that friendship and honesty with each other can be the foundation for a romantic relationship. Becca's character has much more depth than Brett's, almost to the point of it seeming implausible that he was aware of Becca's uncomfortable situation to begin with. Every relationship here is aspirational: Everyone is earnest and fundamentally good, everyone is trying their best, no one is out to hurt anyone else. That sweetness can be a little trite, but it's also the reason readers will hope these two fakers overcome their obstacles and happen for real.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the romance in The Upside of Falling. Does it seem realistic? How does this novel compare with other love stories you've read?
Who are your heroes? Do you think of them differently when they are part of your life, like Brett's dad, rather than public or historical figures?
Do you think The Upside of Falling would make a good movie? Why or why not? What's different between the experience of reading a romance novel and the experience of watching a romcom?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : February 18, 2020
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 15
- Number of pages : 288
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : December 30, 2025
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