Hold Still — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
A beautiful new edition of the stunning debut novel by Nina LaCour, award-winning author of We Are Okay
“Hold Still may be the truest depiction of the aching, gaping hole left in the wake of a suicide that I’ve ever read. A haunting and hopeful book about loss, love, and redemption.” – Gayle Forman, #1 bestselling author of If I Stay and I Have Lost My Way
That night Ingrid told Caitlin, I’ll go wherever you go. But by dawn Ingrid, and her promise, were gone.
Ingrid’s suicide immobilizes Caitlin, leaving her unsure of her place in a new life she hardly recognizes. A life without the art, the laughter, the music, and the joy that she shared with her best friend.... But Ingrid left something behind. In words and drawings, Ingrid documented a painful farewell in her journal. Journeying through Ingrid’s final days, Caitlin fights back through unspeakable loss to find renewed hope.
Hold Still is the indelible debut that launched Nina LaCour, the award-winning author of We Are Okay. LaCour’s breakthrough novel brings the changing seasons of Caitlin’s first year without Ingrid to the page with indelible emotion and honesty.
Includes an all-new essay from the author to commemorate 10 years in print!
Frequently asked questions
Is Hold Still appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative addresses the suicide of a main character's best friend, which is a central plot element. This event significantly impacts the protagonist's journey and emotional state throughout the story. No elements of horror or frightening content are indicated in the narrative. The focus is on emotional and psychological themes rather than scary content.
Does Hold Still have violence?
The narrative addresses the suicide of a main character's best friend, which is a central plot element. This event significantly impacts the protagonist's journey and emotional state throughout the story.
Does Hold Still have scary content?
No elements of horror or frightening content are indicated in the narrative. The focus is on emotional and psychological themes rather than scary content.
Does Hold Still have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative of the book.
Does Hold Still have racial/cultural content?
Race is not a central theme or plot element in the book. The narrative does not focus on issues of racism or racial identity.
Does Hold Still have profanity?
The book contains instances of strong language, including profanity, as indicated by quotes from the text. This reflects the emotional intensity of the characters' experiences.
Does Hold Still have climate change?
There are no references to climate themes or environmental issues in the narrative of the book.
Does Hold Still have sexual identity?
No explicit sexual content is mentioned in the search results. The focus is primarily on themes of grief and loss rather than sexual themes.
Does Hold Still have gender roles?
The book does not explicitly address traditional or modern gender roles as a theme. The focus is on personal identity and emotional struggles rather than gender dynamics.
Does Hold Still have lgbtq+ themes?
The book features LGBTQ+ themes, particularly in the context of a coming-of-age story set in a diverse environment. It includes characters who identify as queer and navigates their experiences, reflecting on the complexities of identity and relationships.
