ParentsPick

Closer to Nowhere — Content Guide for Parents

By Ellen HopkinsPenguin2020-10-06ISBN 9780593108611416 pages
Closer to Nowhere

Themes present

Violence
Sexual identity

Not found

Scary contentReligious themesRacial/cultural contentProfanityClimate changeGender rolesLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

#1 New York Times bestselling author Ellen Hopkins's poignant middle grade novel in verse about coming to terms with indelible truths of family and belonging.

For the most part, Hannah's life is just how she wants it. She has two supportive parents, she's popular at school, and she's been killing it at gymnastics. But when her cousin Cal moves in with her family, everything changes. Cal tells half-truths and tall tales, pranks Hannah constantly, and seems to be the reason her parents are fighting more and more. Nothing is how it used to be. She knows that Cal went through a lot after his mom died and she is trying to be patient, but most days Hannah just wishes Cal never moved in.

For his part, Cal is trying his hardest to fit in, but not everyone is as appreciative of his unique sense of humor and storytelling gifts as he is. Humor and stories might be his defense mechanism, but if Cal doesn't let his walls down soon, he might push away the very people who are trying their best to love him.

Told in verse from the alternating perspectives of Hannah and Cal, this is a story of two cousins who are more alike than they realize and the family they both want to save.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Closer to Nowhere appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The book addresses tough topics such as abuse, addiction, and gun violence, indicating a moderate level of violence as part of the narrative's exploration of family struggles. No scary content is mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The narrative focuses on emotional and familial challenges rather than horror or intense fear.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have violence?

    The book addresses tough topics such as abuse, addiction, and gun violence, indicating a moderate level of violence as part of the narrative's exploration of family struggles.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have scary content?

    No scary content is mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The narrative focuses on emotional and familial challenges rather than horror or intense fear.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have religious themes?

    No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The narrative appears to focus on personal and familial issues rather than religious themes.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have racial/cultural content?

    No explicit references to race or racism are found in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The story centers on personal and family dynamics without racial themes.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have profanity?

    No profanity is detected in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The content appears suitable for a middle-grade audience.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have climate change?

    No climate themes or environmental issues are referenced in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The content centers on family dynamics and personal challenges.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have sexual identity?

    Author is known for writing about sexual content, relationships, or abuse themes. No sexual content is mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The focus is primarily on family relationships and personal growth.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have gender roles?

    No specific gender roles or discussions about gender expectations are mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The narrative focuses on personal growth and family relationships.

  • Does Closer to Nowhere have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the search results for 'Closer to Nowhere'. The content focuses on family dynamics and personal challenges without reference to LGBTQ+ identities.