ParentsPick

Remember Us — Content Guide for Parents

By Jacqueline WoodsonGale, a Cengage Group2023-12-06ISBN 9798885793537221 pages
Remember Us

Themes present

Violence
Scary content
Racial/cultural content
Gender roles
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

Religious themesProfanityClimate changeSexual identity

Content themes

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Religious themes

PRESENT

Contains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.

About this book

National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson brings readers a powerful story that delves deeply into life's burning questions about time and memory and what we take with us into the future.

It seems like Sage's whole world is on fire the summer before she starts seventh grade. As house after house burns down, her Bushwick neighborhood gets referred to as "The Matchbox" in the local newspaper. And while Sage prefers to spend her time shooting hoops with the guys, she's also still trying to figure out her place inside the circle of girls she's known since childhood. A group that each day, feels further and further away from her. But it's also the summer of Freddy, a new kid who truly gets Sage. Together, they reckon with the pain of missing the things that get left behind as time moves on, savor what's good in the present, and buoy each other up in the face of destruction. And when the future comes, it is Sage's memories of the past that show her the way forward. Remember Us speaks to the power of both letting go . . . and holding on.

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Remember Us appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    The narrative includes references to the historical context of fires in the Bushwick neighborhood, which may imply violence and destruction affecting the community. This backdrop contributes to the tension and anxiety experienced by the characters. The book depicts a neighborhood experiencing fires, which could be frightening for young readers. The atmosphere of anxiety and danger is a significant element of the story, reflecting the fears of the characters.

  • Does Remember Us have violence?

    The narrative includes references to the historical context of fires in the Bushwick neighborhood, which may imply violence and destruction affecting the community. This backdrop contributes to the tension and anxiety experienced by the characters.

  • Does Remember Us have scary content?

    The book depicts a neighborhood experiencing fires, which could be frightening for young readers. The atmosphere of anxiety and danger is a significant element of the story, reflecting the fears of the characters.

  • Does Remember Us have religious themes?

    No religious content in the book itself. The search results reference themes of childhood and loss but do not indicate any religious practices or beliefs in the narrative.

  • Does Remember Us have racial/cultural content?

    The book addresses structural racism and its impact on the community, particularly in the context of the 1970s Bushwick neighborhood. It highlights the experiences of Black characters living in a racially charged environment.

  • Does Remember Us have profanity?

    No profanity detected in the book. The narrative is aimed at a middle-grade audience and does not include inappropriate language.

  • Does Remember Us have climate change?

    No climate themes detected in the book. The focus is on personal and community struggles rather than environmental issues.

  • Does Remember Us have sexual identity?

    No sexual content in the book. The focus is on childhood experiences and identity rather than sexual themes.

  • Does Remember Us have gender roles?

    The character Sage grapples with gender norms and her identity, feeling out of place among both boys and girls. This exploration of gender roles is central to her character development and the narrative.

  • Does Remember Us have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book features Sage, a character who struggles with gender norms and does not feel like she fits in with traditional gender roles. This exploration of identity suggests LGBTQ+ themes, particularly in relation to gender identity.