What Can't Wait — 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
Seventeen-year-old Marisa’s mother has been saying this for as long as Marisa can remember. Her parents came to Houston from Mexico. They work hard, and they expect Marisa to help her familia. An ordinary life—marrying a neighborhood guy, working, having babies—ought to be good enough for her.
Marisa hears something else from her calc teacher. She should study harder, ace the AP test, and get into engineering school in Austin. Some days, it all seems possible. On others, she’s not even sure what she wants.
When her life at home becomes unbearable, Marisa seeks comfort elsewhere—and suddenly neither her best friend nor boyfriend can get through to her. Caught between the expectations of two different worlds, Marisa isn’t sure what she wants—other than a life where she doesn’t end each day thanking God it’s over.
But some things just can’t wait…
Frequently asked questions
Is What Can't Wait appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The narrative includes themes of violence, particularly in the context of the protagonist's environment and challenges, but specific instances of violence are not detailed in the search results. No scary content detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The themes discussed do not suggest elements intended to frighten or disturb.
Does What Can't Wait have violence?
The narrative includes themes of violence, particularly in the context of the protagonist's environment and challenges, but specific instances of violence are not detailed in the search results.
Does What Can't Wait have scary content?
No scary content detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The themes discussed do not suggest elements intended to frighten or disturb.
Does What Can't Wait have religious themes?
No religious content detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The narrative does not reference any specific religious practices, beliefs, or themes.
Does What Can't Wait have racial/cultural content?
Author is known for writing about race and racial justice themes. While the protagonist is of Latinx descent, race is not a central theme in the narrative as per the search results. The focus is more on personal and familial struggles rather than explicit discussions of race or racism.
Does What Can't Wait have profanity?
The search results indicate the use of profanity in the narrative, particularly in the context of the protagonist's frustrations and challenges.
Does What Can't Wait have climate change?
No climate themes detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The narrative does not address environmental issues or climate change.
Does What Can't Wait have sexual identity?
No sexual content detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The focus is on personal and familial challenges rather than sexual themes.
Does What Can't Wait have gender roles?
The narrative addresses traditional gender roles, particularly through the protagonist's experiences with her immigrant father who expresses traditional views on gender, highlighting the challenges faced by women in pursuing education and careers.
Does What Can't Wait have lgbtq+ themes?
Author is known for writing LGBTQ+ narratives and themes. No LGBTQ+ themes detected in the search results for 'What Can't Wait'. The content focuses on the protagonist's struggles and family dynamics without mention of LGBTQ+ identities or issues.
