Common Sense Media Review
By Rachel Sarah
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Two boys fall for each other in cute queer teen romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
Based on 22 kid reviews
Kids say the book captures the charm of a young queer romance between Ben and Arthur but has mixed reviews regarding its pacing and mature content such as sexual references and strong language. While many readers appreciate the emotional depth and character development, some find it unrealistic or disappointing, particularly with the bittersweet ending that leaves certain romantic tensions unresolved.
- romantic themes
- emotional depth
- mixed pacing
- mature content
- character development
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
WHAT IF IT'S US tells the story of two teen boys who meet each other at a post office in New York City before a flash mob separates them. The novel alternates points of view between Arthur, who's in New York City as an intern at his mom's law firm, and Ben, who's recovering from a recent breakup. Arthur's family has money, and he wants to go to Yale, although he struggles with ADHD. Ben is Puerto Rican, definitely not well-off, but more sexually experienced. The story begins with Arthur trying to find Ben, the cute boy he met briefly, and follows what happens after they finally connect.
Is It Any Good?
This cute, feel-good story about acceptance and love does a good job of highlighting real issues. It address what it's like to come out to your friends and date someone whose family might have more or less money than you. The romance is very sweet, with many fun pop culture references, yet the storyline remains light, like an adorable Hollywood romcom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how sex and losing your virginity are dealt with in What If It's Us. What do you think of how Ben and Arthur's sexual relationship is presented? Does it seem realistic?
What do you think of how What If It's Us depicts diversity? How do Ben and Arthur differ from the standard teen protagonists you often find in young adult novels? Why is it important to read both about people who are like and also those who are unlike you?
Are the friendships in What If It's Us believable? Which ones seem the most true-to-life?
Book Details
- Authors :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Friendship , School ( High School )
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperTeen
- Publication date : October 9, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 14
- Number of pages : 448
- Available on : Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
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