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Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story — Content Guide for Parents

By Jason ReynoldsSimon and Schuster2024-10-08ISBN 9781665961271256 pages
Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story

Themes present

Racial/cultural content
Sexual identity
Gender roles

Not found

ViolenceScary contentReligious themesProfanityClimate changeLGBTQ+ themes

Content themes

Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.

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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

A Coretta Scott King Author Award Winner
A New York Times Bestseller
Seven starred reviews!

“Jason Reynolds has done it again!...Fresh from start to finish…This is what it could be, should be, if only we were all as lucky as Aria. Girls (and everyone) wait for your Neon!” —Judy Blume, New York Times bestselling author of Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and Forever...

#1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds tackles it—you know…it—from the guy’s perspective in this stream of consciousness story of a teen boy about to experience a huge first. “Reynolds’s foray into romance is as spectacular as expected…Undoubtedly, a story for everyone” (Booklist, starred review).

Twenty-four months ago: Neon gets chased by a dog all around the parking lot of a church. Not his finest moment. And definitely one he would have loved to forget if it weren’t for the dog’s owner: Aria. Dressed in sweats, a t-shirt, hair in a ponytail. Aria. Way more than fine.

Twenty-four weeks ago: Neon’s dad insists on talking to him about tenderness and intimacy. Neon and Aria are definitely in love, and while they haven’t taken that next big step…yet, they’ve starting talking about…that.

Twenty-four days ago: Neon’s mom finds her—gulp—bra in his room. Hey! No judging! Those hook thingies are complicated! So he’d figured he’d better practice, what with the big day only a month away.

Twenty-four minutes ago: Neon leaves his shift at work at his dad’s bingo hall, making sure to bring some chicken tenders for Aria. They’re not candlelight and they definitely aren’t caviar, but they are her favorite.

And right this second? Neon is locked in Aria’s bathroom, completely freaking out because twenty-four seconds from now he and Aria are about to…about to… Well, they won’t do anything if he can’t get out of his own head (all the advice, insecurities, and what ifs) and out of this bathroom!

Frequently asked questions

  • Is Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story appropriate for a 7-year-old?

    No violence is depicted in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The story is described as a sweet, moving romance without violent elements. No scary content is identified in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The book is framed as a romantic story without elements intended to frighten readers.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have violence?

    No violence is depicted in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The story is described as a sweet, moving romance without violent elements.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have scary content?

    No scary content is identified in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The book is framed as a romantic story without elements intended to frighten readers.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have religious themes?

    No religious practices, beliefs, or ceremonies are mentioned in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The content does not engage with any specific religion.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have racial/cultural content?

    The story features a Black boy as the protagonist and centers on his relationship with a Black girl, highlighting themes of Black love and identity. The narrative is framed as an exaltation of Black love and experiences.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have profanity?

    No profanity is mentioned in the search results for 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The content appears to be suitable for its intended audience.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have climate change?

    No climate themes or environmental issues are present in the narrative of 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The focus remains on personal and relational themes.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have sexual identity?

    The book addresses themes of teenage sexuality, focusing on a couple that is ready to take their relationship to the next level, including discussions about their first sexual encounter. It promotes sex-positive messaging and open conversations about bodily autonomy and consent.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have gender roles?

    The book explores themes of teenage romance and sexuality, addressing the dynamics of a young couple preparing for a significant step in their relationship. It discusses the emotional complexities surrounding emerging love, but does not explicitly promote traditional or modern gender roles.

  • Does Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A LOVE Story have lgbtq+ themes?

    No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the search results for 'Twenty-Four Seconds from Now . . . A Love Story.' The focus is on a heterosexual romance between two high school seniors.