
Reach for this book when your teenager feels isolated by their physical differences or is struggling to find a social circle where they can be their authentic self. It is a raw, unapologetic look at the unlikely friendship between Ben, a high schooler with cerebral palsy, and Colleen, a girl who uses drugs and tattoos to navigate her own complicated world. The story explores themes of body image, the weight of protective guardians, and the courage it takes to step outside of one's comfort zone. Due to its frank depiction of drug use, sexual exploration, and strong language, it is best suited for older teens. Parents will appreciate its honesty in portraying a protagonist with a disability who possesses a full range of desires, flaws, and intellectual depth beyond his medical diagnosis.
Depictions of teenage physical intimacy and sexual curiosity.
Frequent references to marijuana use and its effects on the characters.
It deals with substance use (marijuana), teenage sexuality, and abandonment by parents in a secular, gritty manner. The resolution is realistic rather than neatly tied with a bow, emphasizing personal growth over external fixes.
A high schooler who feels like an outlier, or who appreciates stories about characters navigating the challenges of physical disability. It is perfect for a teen who appreciates dry wit and dark humor and is tired of 'inspirational' stories about people with disabilities.
This is a high-level YA book. Parents should be aware of the frequent use of profanity and the casual nature of the drug use mentioned in the title. It is best read with an understanding that the characters are flawed and making messy choices. A parent might notice their child retreating into solitary hobbies or expressing frustration that they are treated differently by peers and family *because of their disability*.
Younger teens (14) may focus on the romance and the rebellion against the grandmother. Older teens (17-18) will likely connect more deeply with the nuance of Ben's internal identity and the complexities of Colleen's home life.
Unlike many YA novels, this book refuses to be 'sweet.' It is edgy, cinematic, and gives its protagonist a sharp, cynical voice that feels authentic to a teenager rather than a medical case study. ```
Ben Bancroft is a sixteen-year-old cinephile with cerebral palsy who lives a sheltered life under his grandmother's watchful eye. His routine changes when he meets Colleen, a blunt, hard-partying girl who challenges his self-perceptions and introduces him to a world of risk, romance, and independence.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
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