Common Sense Media Review
By Lucinda Dyer
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven novel about election of 1st gay, Jewish president.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
WIDE AWAKE NOW begins after the election of Abraham Stein, America's first gay and Jewish President. For Duncan, Jimmy, and their high school friends, it's a great day. For the Decents, a movement of people that stoked fears about trans people and people of color, and tried to impose their ideas of what America should be on the educational system, it's a huge defeat. Students who supported the Decents are angry. When the news arrives that the Governor of Kansas (which Stein won by 76,000 votes) is confiscating voting machines and organizing a recount, the Decents feel empowered and one boy now feels free to call Jimmy a "f-g." Stein announces he's going to Kansas and asks his supporters to join him. Together with a group of friends (gay, straight, lesbian, non-binary and Jesus Revolutionaries) Duncan and Jimmy make the long trip to Topeka, Kansas. As the days pass and a million people stream into Topeka, there are clashes both verbal and physical between Stein supporters and the Decents. But it's an act of kindness by the friends that may have the most impact on the outcome of the election.
Is It Any Good?
This mix of gay love story and political activism should have been a winner, but it's brought down by an uneven storyline that's more frustrating than inspiring. For teens who follow the news and relish the rough and tumble of current day politics, Wide Awake Now should give them lots to think about and discuss. Readers whose anxiety level rises any time the subject of politics is brought up should probably take a pass.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why it was important for the characters in Wide Awake Now to travel to Topeka and stand up for what they believed. What would you be willing to do for a cause you believe in?
Is it difficult for you to feel compassion for someone who doesn't share your beliefs or values? Why or why not?
If you could vote in the next election, what would be the most important issues for you?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : Activism , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Knopf Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : April 16, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 263
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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