Ace of Spades — Content Guide for Parents

Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Go back to school with this instant New York Times-bestselling thriller by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully.
"Readers will love this thriller-mystery... A revelatory, buzzworthy debut." —School Library Journal, starred review
All you need to know is . . . I’m here to divide and conquer. Like all great tyrants do. —Aces
When two Niveus Private Academy students, Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo, are selected to be part of the elite school’s senior class prefects, it looks like their year is off to an amazing start. After all, not only does it look great on college applications, but it officially puts each of them in the running for valedictorian, too.
Shortly after the announcement is made, though, someone who goes by Aces begins using anonymous text messages to reveal secrets about the two of them that turn their lives upside down and threaten every aspect of their carefully planned futures.
As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
A MORRIS AWARD FINALIST
A NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER
AN INDIE BESTSELLER
A NAACP IMAGE AWARD WINNER
Frequently asked questions
Is Ace of Spades appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book addresses systemic racism and online abuse, which can be interpreted as forms of violence. However, specific instances of physical violence are not detailed in the search results. The book is described as a suspenseful thriller with Gothic elements, suggesting an atmosphere that may be unsettling for some readers, particularly due to its themes of systemic racism and online harassment.
Does Ace of Spades have violence?
The book addresses systemic racism and online abuse, which can be interpreted as forms of violence. However, specific instances of physical violence are not detailed in the search results.
Does Ace of Spades have scary content?
The book is described as a suspenseful thriller with Gothic elements, suggesting an atmosphere that may be unsettling for some readers, particularly due to its themes of systemic racism and online harassment.
Does Ace of Spades have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Ace of Spades have racial/cultural content?
The narrative centers around two Black teens navigating a predominantly white prep school, confronting systemic racism and the challenges associated with their racial identity. The book critiques the impact of white supremacy and racism on their lives.
Does Ace of Spades have profanity?
No instances of profanity detected in the search results.
Does Ace of Spades have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Ace of Spades have sexual identity?
The story includes a scene where a picture of Devon kissing another male student circulates, leading to them being outed. This aspect of the plot addresses themes of sexual identity and the consequences of being publicly outed.
Does Ace of Spades have gender roles?
No specific themes regarding gender roles are evident in the narrative. The focus is primarily on race and sexuality.
Does Ace of Spades have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features a character named Devon, who is portrayed as a gay Black teen. The narrative explores the complexities of his identity, particularly how his queerness is viewed differently compared to his white peers, highlighting issues of acceptance and visibility within the context of race.



