Jagged Little Pill: The Novel — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
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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
"Blends the spirit of some of our most beloved musical works into a new anthem: Teens long to be seen, heard, and for their voices to matter. An honest exploration of family and love, of identity and responsibility. Powerful and relevant." --New York Times bestselling author Laura Taylor Namey
Swallow it down--what a jagged little pill . . .
After the events at a party, five teenagers find their worlds are forever changed.
Adopted Frankie struggles to see eye-to-eye with her mother--who would rather ignore a problem and preserve their "perfect" life than stand up for what's right. Jo just wants her mom to accept her queer identity--and is totally crushed when Frankie, the only person who really gets her, finds herself infatuated with someone new. Phoenix tries to find his place at the new school and balance wanting to spend time with Frankie but knowing he also has to help out with his sick sister at home. Bella wants to enjoy the end of high school and just head off to college without a hitch.
Everyone expects Frankie's brother, Nick, to be the golden boy, but even though he just got into his dream school, he's not even sure he's a good person.
Each of their stories intersects when Bella is sexually assaulted at a party, and it looks like the perpetrator might get away with it.
Moving, heartfelt, and raw, Jagged Little Pill: The Novel draws on the musical's story and gives readers deeper glimpses of the characters. It's a story about the power of voicing your pain, standing up for what's right, and finding healing and connection.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jagged Little Pill: The Novel appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story includes themes of sexual violence, as one character, Bella, is sexually assaulted at a party, and the narrative deals with the aftermath of this event. No scary content or themes detected in the search results.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have violence?
The story includes themes of sexual violence, as one character, Bella, is sexually assaulted at a party, and the narrative deals with the aftermath of this event.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have scary content?
No scary content or themes detected in the search results.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the search results.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have racial/cultural content?
The character Frankie is a Black girl adopted by a white family, and the narrative addresses her experiences with race and identity in a predominantly white environment.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have profanity?
There are indications of swearing and strong language used throughout the narrative, though specific examples are not detailed in the search results.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have climate change?
No climate-related themes detected in the search results.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have sexual identity?
The novel addresses sexual violence and explores the characters' sexual identities and relationships, including the implications of Bella's assault and its impact on the group of teens.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have gender roles?
The novel explores themes of gender expression and identity, particularly through the character of Frankie, who navigates her identity as a transracial adoptee and her social activism.
Does Jagged Little Pill: The Novel have lgbtq+ themes?
The novel features a queer character named Jo, who is described as a white girl with benefits and is seeking acceptance from her homophobic mother. Additionally, the narrative explores themes of gender and sexual identity among the characters.
