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King of the Screwups

(2009, Fiction - Family Life, Written by K. Going)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Enchanting stereotype-bending novel; teens only.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main character frequently gets in trouble in school and at home, and once with the police. His father is verbally and emotionally abusive to him and his mother.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Teens have sex, mentioned but not described, though mutual undressing is described in one scene. A teen lives with his cross-dressing, homosexual uncle, whose boyfriend is the teen's teacher. Some of the homosexual characters behave in stereotypical fashion, which is commented on; others do not. A girl is described as having "a killer rack."

  • Language:

    "S--t," "f--k" (used both sexually and as an expletive). "Bitch," "hell," "goddamn" used on multiple occasions. Homosexuals are referred to as "fags" and "faggots."

  • Consumerism:

    The main character is interested in fashion, so many clothing and shoe brands are mentioned approvingly. Also, food, fast food, store brands are mentioned.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teens and adults drink, get drunk, and drive drunk. Teens also smoke.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About King of the Screwups

Parents need to know that this novel for teens has many sexual references, and a scene in which a boy and girl undress each other, but are interrupted before they can have sex. There is also a fair amount of swearing and many approving references to clothing and shoe brands from the fashion-oriented teen-aged main character.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why people, such as the main character and his mother, who are treated badly often tend to identify with and defend their abuser. Why does Liam believe and internalize everything his father tells him, even when it's obvious to everyone else that he is wrong? Why doesn't his mother take his side? Why does this boy who obviously has so much going for him think that he has no talents except for screwing up? Has anyone ever made you think badly of yourself? Were they right or wrong? How did you deal with it?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    prttystar4
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Ok for over 12 or 13

    Its a good book actually, and the message is good. But I wouldnt reccomend it for younger kids.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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