Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick

Absolutely Truly by Heather Vogel Frederick is a junior/middle grade fiction novel. Geared more toward girls, it's a sweet but engaging book with the element of mystery!

Sex - None. The characters are 12 years old. There are casual mentions of romantic relationships between adults, and maybe a crush or two between the kids, but nothing alarming.

Violence/Death/Frightening Scenes - Truly's father is a war veteran who lost his arm. She often mentions how her father has "changed" and he shows signs of depression. There is also a scene where Truly slips from a bridge that can be a little scary.

Alcohol/Drug Use - None.

Language - None. The kids sometimes tease each other and call each other names. (Drooly Truly).

Final Note: I personally found this book to be great! It touched on some real issues like war and depression, but not in a way that was too mature for middle grade kids. These are issues that kids this age may deal with and it's good to have books that approach it age appropriately. Heather Vogel Frederick also references lots of other literature. This may give a reader ideas for new books to read! It also discusses how kids feel when they have to move.

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