After Life — Content Guide for Parents

Frequently asked questions

• Is After Life appropriate for a 7-year-old?

  The story includes references to a hit-and-run accident that resulted in a girl's death, as well as scenes where a boy grabs a girl by the shoulders and shakes her, and a man punches someone. These elements contribute to the themes of love, loss, and coping with trauma. While the book deals with themes of death and loss, there are no elements that would be considered genuinely frightening or likely to cause fear or distress in readers.

• Does After Life have violence?

  The story includes references to a hit-and-run accident that resulted in a girl's death, as well as scenes where a boy grabs a girl by the shoulders and shakes her, and a man punches someone. These elements contribute to the themes of love, loss, and coping with trauma.

• Does After Life have scary content?

  While the book deals with themes of death and loss, there are no elements that would be considered genuinely frightening or likely to cause fear or distress in readers.

• Does After Life have religious themes?

  The narrative includes significant references to Catholicism and atheism, highlighting the importance of these beliefs to certain characters. The relationship between a devout Catholic and a science-minded atheist is central to the story.

• Does After Life have racial/cultural content?

  The book features characters of different races, including Black characters, but race is not a central theme or plot point in the narrative. The focus is more on personal relationships and emotional experiences.

• Does After Life have profanity?

  Teen characters frequently use strong language, including words like 'f--k', 's--t', 'bitch', and 'crap'. This reflects the emotional intensity and realism of the teenage experience depicted in the book.

• Does After Life have climate change?

  There are no references to climate themes or environmental issues in the book. The story primarily revolves around personal and emotional themes related to life and death.

• Does After Life have sexual identity?

  The book contains references to a teen couple engaging in protected sex, as well as discussions about relationships and cheating. Kissing is also mentioned, indicating a romantic subplot.

• Does After Life have gender roles?

  The book includes diverse characters and explores themes of love and loss, but it does not actively discuss or critique traditional gender roles. Gender dynamics are present but not a focal point of the narrative.

• Does After Life have lgbtq+ themes?

  The book features a lesbian character, as well as a devout Catholic and a science-minded atheist who fall in love and marry. Additionally, a mom and her teen daughter, who are both Black, play important roles in the story.