Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) — Content Guide for Parents
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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
Sundance U.S. Dramatic Audience Award
Sundance Grand Jury Prize
This is the funniest book you’ll ever read about death.
It is a universally acknowledged truth that high school sucks. But on the first day of his senior year, Greg Gaines thinks he’s figured it out. The answer to the basic existential question: How is it possible to exist in a place that sucks so bad? His strategy: remain at the periphery at all times. Keep an insanely low profile. Make mediocre films with the one person who is even sort of his friend, Earl.
This plan works for exactly eight hours. Then Greg’s mom forces him to become friends with a girl who has cancer. This brings about the destruction of Greg’s entire life.
Fiercely funny, honest, heart-breaking—this is an unforgettable novel from a bright talent, now also a film that critics are calling "a touchstone for its generation" and "an instant classic."
Includes a discussion with Jesse Andrews and an annotated excerpt from the screenplay!
STARRED REVIEW
“One need only look at the chapter titles (“Let’s Just Get This Embarrassing Chapter Out of the Way”) to know that this is one funny book.”
–Booklist, starred review
STARRED REVIEW
“Though this novel begs inevitable thematic comparisons to John Green's The Fault in Our Stars (2011), it stands on its own in inventiveness, humor and heart.”
–Kirkus Reviews, starred review
New York Times bestseller!
Capitol Choices 2013 - Noteworthy Titles for Children and Teens
Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC) Choices 2013 list - Young Adult Fiction
YALSA 2013 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
YALSA 2013 Best Fiction for Young Adults
YALSA 2014 Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults
Frequently asked questions
Is Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book does not contain explicit violence. While characters watch a violent movie, it is not described in detail, and there is no depiction of violence between characters. There is no genuinely frightening content in the book. The themes revolve around cancer and mortality, but they are approached with humor rather than horror.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have violence?
The book does not contain explicit violence. While characters watch a violent movie, it is not described in detail, and there is no depiction of violence between characters.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have scary content?
There is no genuinely frightening content in the book. The themes revolve around cancer and mortality, but they are approached with humor rather than horror.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have religious themes?
No religious content in the book itself. Although some characters are identified as Jewish, this aspect does not play a significant role in the narrative.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have racial/cultural content?
The book features a Black character, Earl, and includes discussions of race, though it does not focus heavily on racial themes. The portrayal of Earl is part of the character dynamics rather than a central theme.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have profanity?
The book contains frequent profanity, including strong language such as 's--t' and 'f--k', as well as crude terms related to sex. This language is part of the characters' dialogue and narration.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have climate change?
No climate themes or environmental issues are present in the book's narrative.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have sexual identity?
The book includes references to sex and some explicit statements about sexual topics, but no actual sexual contact is depicted. The narrative includes crude sexual humor.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have gender roles?
The book contains some misogynistic commentary, as noted in reviews, which suggests a critique of gender roles. However, it does not deeply engage with gender equality or feminist themes.
Does Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (Movie Tie-in Edition) have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes are explicitly present in the book. One review mentions a conversation about bisexuality that is dismissive, indicating a lack of representation rather than inclusion.
