Just Like That — Content Guide for Parents
Found in this book
- ViolenceSupporting
- Scary contentSupporting
- ReligionBriefChristian
- Race & cultureBrief
- ProfanityBrief
- Gender rolesBriefChallenges traditional roles
Not found
- Climate
- Sexual content
- Gender & orientation
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Summaries and source quotes for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religion
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
In this unforgettable, gently humorous novel, New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories: that of a grieving girl and a boy trying to escape his violent past.
Meryl Lee Kowalski is sent to a girls' boarding school in fall 1968 to move on from her grief over a close friend's death. Matt Coffin is on the run from a criminal gang, afraid that anyone he cares about is at risk. When their paths cross, the pair's connection begins to shape each of their lives. As their loneliness is gradually replaced by friendship, Meryl Lee finds unexpected allies and a sense of purpose, while Matt finds a new family and hope for the future.
This riveting novel is Wednesday Wars author Gary D. Schmidt at his best, weaving in powerful themes and raising tears and laughter in equal measure.
"Set in 1968, Just Like That is part of an outstanding series that began with Newbery Honor recipient The Wednesday Wars and continued in Okay for Now, a finalist for the National Book Award. While each book can be read separately, overlapping characters and themes enrich each other in understated and often profound ways." (BookPage starred review)
Frequently asked questions
Is Just Like That appropriate for a 7-year-old?
Matt's storyline includes gang beatings, stabbings, a knife and hatchet fight, a teen shot, and Vietnam War deaths, described in graphic detail. Matt is stalked and threatened with a knife by an adult from the gang, and the story includes bloody fights and a friend's death.
Does Just Like That have violence?
Found (Supporting): Matt's storyline includes gang beatings, stabbings, a knife and hatchet fight, a teen shot, and Vietnam War deaths, described in graphic detail.
Does Just Like That have scary content?
Found (Supporting): Matt is stalked and threatened with a knife by an adult from the gang, and the story includes bloody fights and a friend's death.
Does Just Like That have religion?
Found (Brief, Christian): A pastor who helps Matt is beaten and his church is burned by the gang, but no worship or faith discussion is described.
Does Just Like That have race & culture?
Found (Brief): A schoolmate remarks that she has never met anyone with Eastern European roots, after learning Meryl Lee's last name.
Does Just Like That have profanity?
Found (Brief): The parents' guide notes "damn" said repeatedly, "hell", and a teacher nicknamed "Sharp Arsed".
Does Just Like That have climate?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Just Like That have sexual content?
Not found in the sources we checked.
Does Just Like That have gender roles?
Found (Brief, Challenges traditional roles): One reader review says the story, set at a girls' school in 1968, touches on gender inequality and a growing feminist focus from Meryl Lee, though class is the main issue.
Does Just Like That have gender & orientation?
Not found in the sources we checked.
