Tools for this page
Print

How They Met: And Other Stories

(2008, Fiction - Coming of Age, Written by David Levithan)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Love story collection is sweet but sophomoric.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–18

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    There are stories about gay and lesbian couples as well as straight couples in this collection.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    A few graphic depictions, mostly in one story in which a gay teen talks about having a mostly physical relationship.

  • Language:

    Some words, including the biggie "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About How They Met: And Other Stories

Parents need to know that there are stories about gay and lesbian couples, as well as straight couples, in this romantic collection. There is some swearing, and some graphic sexual images, especially in one story about two teen boys who "were boyfriends, but ... screwed all over the place."

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about short story collections. Ask your kids if they would rather read short stories or a longer novel. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each form? Also, parents could point out that, according to Levithan's author's note, he wrote some of these stories while he was still in high school. This might inspire your teens to try to pen a story of their own -- whether it's about love or not.
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you read it? Review It!

  • What did you think about How They Met: And Other Stories?

  •  I think this book is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 12+
    Fame (2009)

    Fame (2009)

    Teen musical remake has edgy content for a PG movie.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Must See TV

    Age 10+
    Dancing with the Stars

    Dancing with the Stars

    High-kicking series has cross-generational appeal.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Game of the Week

    Age 7+
    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Fun movie-based action game has constant but mild violence.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.