Common Sense Media Review
By Rachel Sarah , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 16+
Moving story about three teens struggling in crisis.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
-
Language
some
See AlsoMagic Formula Investing: Definition and What It Tells YouThe Little Book That Builds Wealth Summary PDF | Pat DorseyThe Bitterness of Eating from the Sweet BookInfrequent strong language includes "s--t," "f--k" and its variations, "douche bag," "badass," "d--khead."
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
Kissing scenes between a man in his 20s and a high school senior. Luke and Emory have a few passionate kissing and make-out sessions, as well as consensual, protected sex (mention of using a condom) with a positive, respectful tone. ("God, I loved kissing him. I loved doing everything with him, but I might have loved kissing him most.")
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Violence & Scariness
some
Sexual assault is a major theme. Flashback to the incident of sexual assault is not graphic, but narrative touches deeply on shame.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.
Get started
-
Products & Purchases
very little
Brands mentioned include Mentos, Skee-ball, co*ke, Starbucks, FaceTime, Notes app, BMW, Jetta.
-
Positive Messages
a lot
Strong messages about the importance of speaking up for yourself, standing up for your friend, forgiving, facing shame. Themes touch on the power of friendship, trusting yourself, asking for help.
-
Positive Role Models
some
Emory and Luke love each other and support each other; they want to be there for each other. In the end, Emory's mom advocates for her daughter.
-
Educational Value
some
Teens will learn a great deal about growing up in a Christian family and going to a Christian high school, including mentions of Jesus and various psalms. Touches on realities of senior year of high school, including financial struggles.
-
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Little Do We Know by Tamara Ireland Stone is a poignant contemporary novel about three high school seniors struggling in a time of crisis. The story explores mature issues, including sexual assault, protected sex, and emotional and financial instability. There's infrequent strong language (including "f--k" and its variations, "s--t," and "d--khead"). Parents should be prepared to discuss assault and betrayal, as well as sexual assault and teens having sex.
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents say
- Kids say (1)
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
Rate book
What's the Story?
In LITTLE DO WE KNOW, next-door neighbors and friends since birth Hannah and Emory are no longer speaking to each other. Now they are high school seniors who go to separate schools. Feelings were hurt; there's clearly a secret. In alternating chapters, we learn about Hannah, the daughter of a pastor who is also the principal of her Christian high school, and about Emory, who wants to act at UCLA and make the most of her time left with her boyfriend, Luke, before they head to separate colleges. When Hannah finds Emory's boyfriend unconscious inside his car one night, the friends are reconnected and secrets are revealed.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated Rate book
Kids say (1):
This is a compelling, emotional story about friendship, faith, loyalty, and love. It tackles a lot of tough issues, including sexual assault and speaking up for a friend in crisis. Little Do We Know highlights the ripple effects of the assault as well as the struggle to tell the truth. Emory is a very relatable and enjoyable narrator. Her relationship with Luke is respectful and loving. Hannah's struggle to stand up for her friend is a little less believable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how sexual assault is portrayed and dealt with in Little Do We Know. Why would someone feel she has to keep this a secret?
Why are stories about sexual assault important to read, even if they make readers uncomfortable?
What do you think of how Hannah and Emory's sexual relationship is presented? Does it seem realistic?
Book Details
- Author: Tamara Ireland Stone
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Topics: Arts and Dance, Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, High School
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
- Publication date: June 5, 2018
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 18
- Number of pages: 416
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: August 15, 2018
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Little Do We Know
Suggest an Update
Your privacy is important to us. We won't share this comment without your permission. If you chose to provide an email address, it will only be used to contact you about your comment. See our privacy policy.
