Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Saunders
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dark, funny horror theme park thriller has queer Black lead.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
When YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DIE TONIGHT begins, Charity, a Black teen who manages a theme park that offers a simulation experience of a famous horror movie filmed at the site, is preparing for her next group of customers. So many of her staffers have failed to show up for work that she calls some of her friends to help. But soon the friends learn that the staff members have disappeared -- and the simulation is all too real. Can Charity, who plays the iconic final girl, survive the night and save her friends?
Is It Any Good?
This thrilling novel has a lot of surprises. In You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight, Kalynn Bayron departs from her usual strategy of rewriting myths and pivots to take on horror movies. The book boasts a genre-subverting Black queer character in the role of the "final girl," twists and turns that cover popular horror genre tropes, and dark humor that balances all the fright. Fans of the genre will recognize the usual plot devices and some fun meta-commentary about them. Highly recommend for any teen looking for a scary, smart read.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight pays tribute to popular horror movies. Do you watch horror movies? How did this novel meet your expectations, and how did it surprise you?
Discuss the theme of intuition in this story. Do you "trust your gut"?
How is friendship important in this story?
How do characters work together, show a lot of courage, and demonstrate integrity?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Bloomsbury YA
- Publication date : June 20, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 14 - 17
- Number of pages : 240
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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