ParentsPick

The Upside of Unrequited — Content Guide for Parents

By Becky AlbertalliHarperCollins2018-01-30ISBN 9780062348715368 pages
The Upside of Unrequited

Themes present

Religious themes
Racial/cultural content
Profanity
Sexual identity
Gender roles
LGBTQ+ themes

Not found

ViolenceScary contentClimate change

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 iOS

Example theme card

Religious themes

PRESENT

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

About this book

From the award-winning author of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda comes a funny, authentic novel about sisterhood, love, and identity.

“Heart-fluttering, honest, and hilarious. I can’t stop hugging this book.” —Stephanie Perkins, New York Times bestselling author of Anna and the French Kiss

"I have such a crush on this book! Not only is this one a must read, but it's a must re-read." —Julie Murphy, New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin’

Seventeen-year-old Molly Peskin-Suso knows all about unrequited love. No matter how many times her twin sister, Cassie, tells her to woman up, Molly can’t stomach the idea of rejection. So she’s careful. Fat girls always have to be careful.

Then a cute new girl enters Cassie’s orbit, and for the first time ever, Molly’s cynical twin is a lovesick mess. Meanwhile, Molly's totally not dying of loneliness—except for the part where she is. Luckily, Cassie's new girlfriend comes with a cute hipster-boy sidekick. If Molly can win him over, she'll get her first kiss and she'll get her twin back.

There's only one problem: Molly's coworker, Reid. He's a chubby Tolkien superfan with a season pass to the Ren Faire, and there's absolutely no way Molly could fall for him.

Right?

And don't miss Becky Albertalli's Leah on the Offbeat!

Frequently asked questions

  • Is The Upside of Unrequited appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    No violence is mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative. No scary content is mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have violence?

    No violence is mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have scary content?

    No scary content is mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have religious themes?

    The narrative includes various religious characters as part of its diversity, although specific religious practices or beliefs are not detailed. The main character's family is described as having different races and religions.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have racial/cultural content?

    The book is described as extremely diverse, featuring characters of various racial and ethnic backgrounds, including a Korean-American side character and a multiracial family.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have profanity?

    The book includes colorful language, with teens and adults cursing in a believable manner, reflecting realistic dialogue among characters.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have climate change?

    No climate themes are mentioned in the search results related to the book's narrative.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have sexual identity?

    The book realistically discusses themes of sexuality and identity, including conversations about what qualifies as sex and losing virginity. It addresses the desirability of teens regardless of body type.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have gender roles?

    The narrative explores themes of body image and societal expectations, particularly regarding the main character's experiences as a chubby girl navigating love and self-acceptance. It critiques societal pressures on body image and desirability.

  • Does The Upside of Unrequited have lgbtq+ themes?

    The book features several LGBTQIA+ side characters, including a transgender boy and characters with pansexuality. The main character's family includes two moms, reflecting a diverse representation of sexual and gender identities.