Common Sense Media Review
By Mary Eisenhart
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Thought-provoking tale of eco-protest at elite high school.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WE DIDN'T ASK FOR THIS finds the high school students of Central International School in a state of frenzied anticipation as the revered tradition of annual lockdown night commences. Located in an unnamed tropical country and serving the children of diplomats, expats, and other rich and powerful types from around the world, the school spares no expense on sports, clubs, and activities, so there's plenty of fun in store for all. Celeste Rollins, the new girl and the child of Black parents who've left the troubled U.S. for a new country, just hopes this is the night she finally finds some people to click with and be friends. Peejay Singh, social god, has more grandiose plans--he's spent the whole year planning the epic, alcohol-fueled, and definitely clandestine party that goes on every year under the teachers' noses. Unbeknownst to either of them, Marisa Cuevas, smart, passionate, organized, and blessed with supportive parents, is determined to save coral reefs--and has put even more planning than Peejay into her own plans to keep everybody locked in the school till her demands are met.
Is It Any Good?
Captivity, conflict, charisma, creativity, and coral reefs make for unexpected events and intense bonding in Adi Alsaid's tale of lockdown, protest, and partying at an elite international school. We Didn't Ask for This presents an engaging ensemble cast of smart, cosmopolitan teens dealing with relatable issues (e.g. coming out, dealing with traditional parents when you aren't traditional, crushes, social pressures, fitting in...), suddenly confronted with new challenges as eco-zealous classmates take them prisoner in a protest. The narrative skews heavily to by-any-means-necessary cheerleading for the protesters and their cause, which may provoke thought and generate discussion about ethics and tactics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the destruction of coral reefs, which inspired the protest in We Didn't Ask for This. What do you know about that situation? What's causing the destruction? Is anything helping to stop or reverse the damage?
Do you think holding people against their will to get something you want is OK if you're doing it for a cause and not just, say, a lot of money? Why do you see it that way?
What issue do you care enough about to try to change minds at your school?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Contemporary Fiction
- Topics : Activism , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Inkyard Press
- Publication date : April 7, 2020
- Number of pages : 352
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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