The Cost of Knowing — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
Not found
Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
Get the full theme breakdown in the app
Detailed evidence, confidence ratings, and source citations for every theme.
Download for iOSExample theme card
Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Dear Martin meets They Both Die at the End in this gripping, evocative novel about a Black teen who has the power to see into the future, whose life turns upside down when he foresees his younger brother’s imminent death, from the acclaimed author of SLAY.
Sixteen-year-old Alex Rufus is trying his best. He tries to be the best employee he can be at the local ice cream shop; the best boyfriend he can be to his amazing girlfriend, Talia; the best protector he can be over his little brother, Isaiah. But as much as Alex tries, he often comes up short.
It’s hard to for him to be present when every time he touches an object or person, Alex sees into its future. When he touches a scoop, he has a vision of him using it to scoop ice cream. When he touches his car, he sees it years from now, totaled and underwater. When he touches Talia, he sees them at the precipice of breaking up, and that terrifies him. Alex feels these visions are a curse, distracting him, making him anxious and unable to live an ordinary life.
And when Alex touches a photo that gives him a vision of his brother’s imminent death, everything changes.
With Alex now in a race against time, death, and circumstances, he and Isaiah must grapple with their past, their future, and what it means to be a young Black man in America in the present.
Frequently asked questions
Is The Cost of Knowing appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes depictions of violence, such as a mass shooting and a young man dying from a racist attack by a vigilante. These elements are significant to the plot and character development. The book uses the protagonist's ability to see the future as a metaphor for anxiety, which may be unsettling for some readers, particularly regarding the themes of death and loss.
Does The Cost of Knowing have violence?
The book includes depictions of violence, such as a mass shooting and a young man dying from a racist attack by a vigilante. These elements are significant to the plot and character development.
Does The Cost of Knowing have scary content?
The book uses the protagonist's ability to see the future as a metaphor for anxiety, which may be unsettling for some readers, particularly regarding the themes of death and loss.
Does The Cost of Knowing have religious themes?
No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the search results. The narrative does not focus on any religious themes.
Does The Cost of Knowing have racial/cultural content?
The narrative centers on a Black teen's experiences, addressing themes of racism and the societal pressures faced by Black boys. It explores the complexities of their identities and the impact of racism on their lives.
Does The Cost of Knowing have profanity?
No explicit profanity was identified in the search results for 'The Cost of Knowing'. The content focuses on themes of anxiety and societal issues rather than strong language.
Does The Cost of Knowing have climate change?
No climate themes or discussions regarding environmental issues were detected in the search results for 'The Cost of Knowing'.
Does The Cost of Knowing have sexual identity?
The narrative includes discussions about teen relationships and the contemplation of sexual readiness, indicating a healthy approach to the topic among the characters.
Does The Cost of Knowing have gender roles?
No specific gender roles or discussions about gender expectations are mentioned in the search results. The focus remains on the protagonist's personal journey and family relationships.
Does The Cost of Knowing have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters were identified in the search results for 'The Cost of Knowing'. The focus is primarily on the protagonist's abilities and family dynamics.
