Wink — 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
Ross Maloy just wants to be a normal seventh grader. He doesn't want to lose his hair, or wear a weird hat, or deal with the disappearing friends who don't know what to say to "the cancer kid." But with his recent diagnosis of a rare eye cancer, blending in is off the table.
Based on Rob Harrell's real life experience, and packed with comic panels and spot art, this incredibly personal and poignant novel is an unforgettable, heartbreaking, hilarious, and uplifting story of survival and finding the music, magic, and laughter in life's weirdness.
This paperback edition includes an exclusive sneak peek to Rob Harrell’s next book, Batpig: When Pigs Fly!
Frequently asked questions
Is Wink appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The book includes themes of bullying and the physical effects of cancer treatment, which are described as violent and scary. Specific instances include Ross undergoing surgery and experiencing pain from radiation treatments, which may be distressing for readers. The book includes elements that may be considered scary, particularly related to Ross's cancer diagnosis and the associated medical treatments. Descriptions of pain and the emotional impact of his illness contribute to a potentially frightening atmosphere for young readers.
Does Wink have violence?
The book includes themes of bullying and the physical effects of cancer treatment, which are described as violent and scary. Specific instances include Ross undergoing surgery and experiencing pain from radiation treatments, which may be distressing for readers.
Does Wink have scary content?
The book includes elements that may be considered scary, particularly related to Ross's cancer diagnosis and the associated medical treatments. Descriptions of pain and the emotional impact of his illness contribute to a potentially frightening atmosphere for young readers.
Does Wink have religious themes?
No religious content is present in the book itself. The search results mention a character's casual reference to thanking God and a friend's speculation about becoming a youth minister, but these do not constitute significant religious themes or practices.
Does Wink have racial/cultural content?
No explicit racial themes or discussions are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any focus on race or racism as a central theme.
Does Wink have profanity?
The book contains some mild profanity, with reports of approximately five instances of swearing, but no strong language. This is noted in reviews discussing the language used in the narrative.
Does Wink have climate change?
No climate themes are present in the book. The search results do not indicate any discussion of environmental issues or activism.
Does Wink have sexual identity?
No sexual content is present in the book. The search results do not indicate any themes of sexuality beyond Ross's crush on a classmate, which is presented in a non-explicit manner.
Does Wink have gender roles?
The book does not actively discuss or promote gender roles. While it features a male protagonist, it does not engage with themes of gender expectations or stereotypes.
Does Wink have lgbtq+ themes?
No LGBTQ+ themes or characters are mentioned in the book 'Wink' by Rob Harrell. The search results primarily discuss general LGBTQ+ topics and resources, not specific content from the book.



