Faking Normal — 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
An edgy, realistic debut novel praised by the New York Times bestselling author of Between Shades of Gray, Ruta Sepetys, as “a beautiful reminder that amid our broken pieces we can truly find ourselves.”
Alexi Littrell hasn’t told anyone what happened to her over the summer by her backyard pool. Instead, she hides in her closet, counts the slats in the air vent, and compulsively scratches the back of her neck, trying to make the outside hurt more than the inside does—and deal with the trauma.
When Bodee Lennox—“the Kool-Aid Kid”—moves in with the Littrells after a family tragedy, Alexi discovers an unlikely friend in this quiet, awkward boy who has secrets of his own. As their friendship grows, Alexi gives him the strength to deal with his past, and Bodee helps her summon the courage to find her voice and speak up about the rape that has changed the course of her life.
Frequently asked questions
Is Faking Normal appropriate for a 7-year-old?
No explicit violence is mentioned in the search results regarding the book's content. The book includes elements that evoke fear related to traumatic memories and the psychological impact of past experiences, which may be unsettling for some readers.
Does Faking Normal have violence?
No explicit violence is mentioned in the search results regarding the book's content.
Does Faking Normal have scary content?
The book includes elements that evoke fear related to traumatic memories and the psychological impact of past experiences, which may be unsettling for some readers.
Does Faking Normal have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the book's narrative based on the search results.
Does Faking Normal have racial/cultural content?
No racial themes or discussions about race are present in the book's narrative based on the search results.
Does Faking Normal have profanity?
No profanity is explicitly mentioned in the search results regarding the book's content.
Does Faking Normal have climate change?
No climate themes or discussions about environmental issues are present in the book's narrative based on the search results.
Does Faking Normal have sexual identity?
The book addresses themes of trauma and self-blame related to sexual experiences, including discussions on dubious consent and sexual assault. This indicates a focus on the complexities of teenage sexuality and its implications.
Does Faking Normal have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or discussions about gender expectations are identified in the search results regarding the book's content.
Does Faking Normal have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features characters who question their sexuality and relationship expectations, indicating a focus on LGBTQ+ themes. The narrative explores the complexities of adolescent friendships and romantic feelings, suggesting a normalization of diverse sexual identities.
