Suicide Notes — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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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
An unforgettable coming of age novel for fans of 13 Reasons Why, It’s Kind of a Funny Story, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Fifteen-year-old Jeff wakes up on New Year’s Day to find himself in the hospital—specifically, in the psychiatric ward. Despite the bandages on his wrists, he’s positive this is all some huge mistake. Jeff is perfectly fine, perfectly normal; not like the other kids in the hospital with him.
But over the course of the next forty-five days, Jeff begins to understand why he ended up here—and realizes he has more in common with the other kids than he thought.
“With a sprinkling of dark humor and a full measure of humanness, Suicide Notes is quirky, surprising, and a riveting read.” —Ellen Hopkins, author of The You I’ve Never Known and Love Lies Beneath
“Like the very best teen novels, Suicide Notes is both classic and edgy, timeless and provocative.” —Brent Hartinger, author of Geography Club
“Makes a powerful emotional impact.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“Jeff’s wit and self-discovery are refreshing, poignant, and, at times, laugh-out-loud funny.” —School Library Journal
Frequently asked questions
Is Suicide Notes appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes depictions of self-harm, as Jeff wakes up in a psychiatric ward with stitched-up wrists after a suicide attempt. The narrative addresses the emotional turmoil surrounding his actions and the consequences of mental health struggles. No content categorized as scary or horror themes detected in the narrative.
Does Suicide Notes have violence?
The book includes depictions of self-harm, as Jeff wakes up in a psychiatric ward with stitched-up wrists after a suicide attempt. The narrative addresses the emotional turmoil surrounding his actions and the consequences of mental health struggles.
Does Suicide Notes have scary content?
No content categorized as scary or horror themes detected in the narrative.
Does Suicide Notes have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the narrative.
Does Suicide Notes have racial/cultural content?
No racial themes or explicit discussions of race detected in the narrative.
Does Suicide Notes have profanity?
The book contains frank language and discussions about sexuality, which are noted in reviews as part of its realistic portrayal of teenage struggles.
Does Suicide Notes have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions detected in the narrative.
Does Suicide Notes have sexual identity?
The story involves Jeff's sexual encounters and his realization of being gay, including a relationship with a fellow patient, Rankin. The narrative discusses his struggles with sexual identity and attraction.
Does Suicide Notes have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or discussions about gender expectations are central to the plot.
Does Suicide Notes have lgbtq+ themes?
The narrative centers around Jeff, a 15-year-old who attempts suicide after realizing he is gay, particularly in relation to his feelings for his best friend's boyfriend. The story explores themes of acceptance and identity as Jeff navigates his sexuality and mental health in a psychiatric ward.
