Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy - MANY

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy, 352 pages. Random House Children's Books, 2026. $13

Language: R (53 swears, 2 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Teens smoking joints and being drugged unknowingly in their drinks); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

ADULT - SEVERAL - ADVISABLE

17yo Fliss and Izzy are attending an artist retreat to delve deeper into their personal interests. They meet other teens who love different types of artistic expression and enjoy the social interaction until everything comes to a halt, when a murder occurs. Immediately, Fliss uses her sleuthing skills to find the suspect and to understand the connection between now and the 1911 murders that revolved around four paintings the killer created to immortalize his victims. He also created a self portrait that shows up at an estate sale after being lost for decades. Rumors about a curse being released when the painting was found are rampant and causing people to panic. Will Fliss be able to stop the murders before history repeats itself?

Such a fascinating premise! I enjoyed this mystery and I didn’t want the book to end. The writing and background building pulled me in and made this story extremely interesting! Fliss is a natural detective and her friendship with Izzy balances them both out. The debate over whether or not the painting is cursed added a nice touch of supernatural spookiness. Mixed ethnicity includes white, Irish, British-Korean, and Italian. Noah has olive skin and Fliss is white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Manga in Theory and Practice by Hirohiko Araki - OPTIONAL

Manga in Theory and Practice: The Craft of Creating Manga by Hirohiko Araki, 226 pages. NONFICTION. VIZ Media, 2017. $24.

Language: R (11 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, nudity, and mentions of illegal activity and eroticism); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, mentions of suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Hirohiko Araki, the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, shares his beliefs of what makes great and successful manga, referencing not only his own work but other mangas and even other works outside of manga as examples. Going through what Araki calls the four fundamentals of manga (characters, story, setting, and themes), he illustrates how he develops those aspects in his own work so that readers can do it too.

In the introduction, Araki says that, while he uses them for manga, these principles have universal applications outside of the manga version of storytelling. I found some inspiration in what he shared though I don’t create manga and don’t agree with everything he believes about telling a story. At the end of the day, these four fundamentals and the ways Araki uses them for his work are opinions. Araki’s theories and practice are interesting and make sense, but his way isn’t the only way, and he encourages readers to use this book as a starting point and go beyond his outline.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty - OPTIONAL

Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty, 544 pages. Berkley (Penguin Random House), 2026. $28.

Language: R (50 swears, 9 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use and mentions of drugs, nudity, pornography, and sex); Violence: PG (assault, gun use, self harm, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: OPTIONAL - ADULTS

APPEALS TO: SOME

Getting hit by a car on her way to work was just what Anna needed. The incident gave her a legitimate excuse for being late and became the impetus for a career change, leading to a new job at the Time Travel Agency. Which has to be fake. Right?

Despite all the time travel that occurs, Anna’s story reads like a slice of life piece rather than a scifi. The story is told by Anna, Teddy, and Jade as they try to figure out how to be the best parents, siblings, and partners, making mistakes and learning to forgive. I was surprised to realize I like the story as much as I do because there was hardly ever anything going on up until the life-or-death climax, and yet I kept reading and rooting for Anna as she tried so hard to live well. Anna and the majority of characters are Australian.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle - ADVISABLE

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle, 368 pages. Penguin Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19.

Language: R (147 swears, 43 “f”); Mature Content: R (alcohol use; illegal activity; kissing; innuendo; mentions of drugs, pornography, orgies, and genitals; nudity; and fade-to-black sex); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of cannibalism, suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While on the phone with her best friend, Roxie accidentally engages with a wish-granting street performer who then puts Roxie into her favorite author’s next book. Problem is, Anna Matthews isn’t writing a rom com this time; she’s writing a crime thriller. Neck deep in serial killers and amateur sleuths, Roxie wonders if she’ll make it to the last page of this book alive.

First of all, my favorite part of the book is all of Roxie’s inner monologue commentary. She, as a character and a narrator, is absolutely hilarious, and I laughed out loud several times. Eberle leans into and pokes fun at classic the tropes for both rom coms and crime thrillers as Roxie’s reality moves in and out of the plotline being written for her. If Books Could Kill is a delightful read for fans of either—or both!—genres.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Platform Decay by Martha Wells - ADVISABLE

Platform Decay (The Murderbot Diaries #8) by Martha Wells, 256 pages. Tor Books, 2026. $25.

Language: R (84 swears, 92 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (illegal activity and for mentions of drugs and nudity); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

On a rescue mission, Murderbot intends to find its clients and get away as quickly as possible. However, it does not anticipate the stupidly complicated transportation—or lack thereof—on the giant space torus nor being forced to promise to extract more humans than it had planned for. Humans make everything complicated.

As usual, Wells drops the reader into the story just after the beginning of the action, which hasn’t been as smooth in the last couple of books as it was at the beginning of the series, but the confusing bits are eventually explained. Then readers get to follow along with Murderbot’s mission while it is still adjusting to its new mental health module that asks it to check in with its emotions at inopportune times. The humor is as spot on as always, making me want to reread the journey so that it doesn’t have to end.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop - OPTIONAL

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop, 192 pages. SHORT STORIES. Saga Press (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $27.

Language: PG13 (14 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug use and mentions of alcohol and sex); Violence: PG13 (corpses, assault, and suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

In seven short stories, Kim visits the perspectives of the uncelebrated in futuristic space exploration. The main characters are those whose discoveries were overshadowed, those who were left behind, and those who don’t understand why these new fads are rooting themselves into society.

Not only are Kim’s scifi settings creative in new ways, she also fills her stories with characters that aren’t on the forefront of everything that is new and exciting. In these characters, readers can better see themselves in what the future may hold because these stories are about everyday people. Each story unfolds slowly. There is no quick action here. And in that space between reading and understanding, I have come to sit in awe of Kim’s beautiful imagination.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - OPTIONAL

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson, 400 pages. Ace Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $30.

Language: PG (10 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use and kissing); Violence: PG (animal abuse and mild fantasy violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Attempting to escape her contract with the ECRA through a loophole is a desperate move, but Evelyn (25yo) can’t find any other way to make herself a more suitable candidate to adopt her ward, Ruby (11yo). Evelyn is allowed a short trial period to successfully bond with a sentient house and assume the responsibilities of caretaker for the house, the wood, and the village, or else she will have to return to the ECRA and Ruby will be taken from her. No pressure.

The magic system described by Evelyn is colorful and whimsical, and, while there is a little mystery and a little magical battle in the woods, the book’s overall feel is cozy fantasy. I expected the climax to include bigger conflicts from the antagonist and from the ECRA, but it’s more about trust and friendship than battling out good versus evil—or good versus bureaucracy.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis - OPTIONAL

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis, 299 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $27.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (nudity and mentions of alcohol, drugs, prostitution, brothels, and rape); Violence: PG-13 (assault, gun and bomb use, chemical warfare, battle scenes, blood and gore, and mentions of suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ward only has to perform 100 flights in the Korean War in order to go back home to his wife and new daughter, but he might never get to see them again after he’s forced to eject from his plane over enemy territory. Jae Pil was arrested in North Korea for refusing to give up his Christian faith and then forced to fight for them, but he hopes to reunite with his family and flee south. Desperate, these enemies have the same impossible goal: surviving escape.

The points of view shift not only between Ward and Jae Pil but also their antagonists and Ward’s wife Barbara, left home in America. Ward, Jae Pil, and Barbara share a faith, though their faith journeys look very different under these stresses. Based on a true story, these lives get tangled up in each other even across great distances, unaware of how their actions impact the others—and whether any of them will get a happy ending. Ward and Barbara are American, and Jae Pil is Korean.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Every Beat After by Sara B. Larson - OPTIONAL

Every Beat After by Sara B. Larson, 384 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $19.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (mentions of drugs and alcohol, kissing, partial nudity, and innuendo); Violence: PG (medical emergencies and discussions of death)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Olivia spent half of her senior year of high school hospitalized, waiting for someone else to die so that she could have a heart transplant. Seven years later, Olivia (25yo) enjoys her job with the family business and spends quality time with her friends, but Olivia is scared that she won’t find her person before her shortened lifespan ends. Then Hunter (28yo) moves in next door, and Olivia admits a new fear—what if she does?

A misunderstanding between the main characters is blown way out of proportion, giving the book an eye-rolling beginning, though it is tolerable due to the characters’ backstories. I enjoyed watching Olivia and Hunter break down their walls and help each other to grow despite the pain caused by their heartbreaking experiences with life and death. And then my least favorite “heart transplant trope” came into play, which I didn’t think was going to be an issue from the initial description of the book. It was written as a big reveal, so I won’t say which one it is, but I wasn’t thrilled about it. However, while it includes tropes I don’t love, Larson wrote the story well, and I enjoyed the characters and their book overall—eyerolls and loud complaints to empty rooms notwithstanding. Olivia has Swedish heritage, and Hunter is described as “tan.”

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel - OPTIONAL

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION 23rd Street Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $30 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, smoking, drinking) Violence: R (beatings, executions, killings, war related violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Eileen Blair is a poet who meets and marries George Orwell. This story follows their relationship through the turbulent times they are involved in, such as the Spanish Civil War, escapes from Stalin's agents, and the London Blitz. Life is not easy for them, and while George is struggling to get published, Eileen is also struggling to hold on to herself in her life and marriage. 

The rating for kid appeal may be misleading, because 23rd Street publishes graphic novels for adults, not kids, however,  high schoolers reading George Orwell's books, may enjoy reading about Eileen and getting a sense of their backgrounds. I really liked learning about Eileen Blair. She sounds like a fascinating person, and after reading this book, I want to know more. There is a lot going on in this book, and it would help to have a historical background of the era. Orwell would have been hard to be married to, which makes her life even more interesting. The Orwells are European. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly - OPTIONAL

Three Queens by Rebecca Connolly, 336 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $29.

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, mild innuendo, and mentions of alcohol and molestation); Violence: PG13 (discussions of riots and revolutions; mentions of assault, gun use, and murder; and blood and gore)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

While living in different circumstances in different countries, Abigail Adams, Queen Charlotte of Britain, and Queen Marie Antionette of France bond over their similarities. These women know what power looks like and how difficult it is to not have any when their lives threaten to crack and fall apart. Drawing strength from their unlikely sisterhood, they face their foes with great fortitude.

In Connolly’s author’s note, she puts forth the purpose of this book as to encourage readers to consider these women as real people that faced difficult circumstances and were trying to do their best, despite how history has not been kind to them. For example, Queen Marie Antionette’s “famous quote” of “Let them eat cake” is nowhere to be found, though readers can see how such a rumor could have come into play due to the circumstances the Queen found herself in. While the book builds with conflict in the British royal family and the French revolution, the story focuses on the women who endured much grief and sorrow more than the conflicts causing the unfortunate circumstances. Even knowing that Connolly extrapolates a lot of the content, including the friendship between the women in this story, I appreciate the new lens I have for looking at and trying to better understand history.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz - OPTIONAL

Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz, 304 pages. Penguin Young Readers Group, 2026. $15

Language: R (22 swears, 3 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (foreplay and a three-way on-page sexual scene with no mention of condoms or safe-sex); Violence: PG-13 (bloody hitting)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three best friends, 18yo Raven, Atticus, and Dorian, want more than anything to attend the Sibylline University to learn about magic. They’re devastated when they’re denied enrollment. They come up with a plan together, gain employment at Sibylline and learn whatever they can while they’re working around the magical students, professors, books and buildings. Atticus can sense emotions and is hired as an architect assistant. Raven can translate any language and is hired to help in the university library. Dorian can read items and he’s hired as an art detective to discover forgeries. They get pulled into a dangerous mystery that's putting the university in danger and it’s going to take wise use of their skills to keep the three friends alive.  

I enjoyed the quotes from classic literature at the beginning of each chapter. I did enjoy the mystery and storytelling. This book is marketed to young adult readers, 14 and up, by the publisher, but has adult content.

Raven is Asian. Dorian is white, and Atticus is Latino

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Cost of Secrets by Tyson Abaroa - OPTIONAL

The Cost of Secrets by Tyson Abaroa, 213 pages. Covenant Communications, 2021. $12.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, illegal activity, and mentions of drugs, prostitution, and trafficking); Violence: PG13 (corpses, mentions of gangs and terrorism, assault, gun use, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Myths and legends help keep some of Ramon’s family’s secrets, but he could do without adding more secrets to his cache. Unfortunately, his mother doesn’t care, and she stops by to drop a dead body at his house and leave. Again. Ramon (38yo) calls his detective friend for help, but this one incident is about to stir up a lot more than Ramon wants to cover up. Again.

For more than half the book, everything felt too vague. It was as if I had started in the middle of a series rather than at the beginning of the story. Advertised as a suspense novel, I assume that was the vibe Abaroa was going for, but I felt more out-of-the-loop than in-suspense. Despite having as many questions at the end as I had at the beginning, I enjoyed the reading well enough, though I’m not going to chase down the sequel. Ramon is half Native American.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

A Deal with a Debutante by Chelsea Bobulski - OPTIONAL

A Deal with a Debutante (London’s Most Eligible #1) by Chelsea Bobulski, 304 pages. Haven (Baker Publishing Group), 2026. $19.

Language: PG (7 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of prostitutes); Violence: PG (mentions of guns and brief discussion of violent historical events)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

American heiress Calliope is only in England because her mother wants her to marry a titled gentleman. Edward is titled and, like many of his generation, his estate is in desperate need of an influx of money—and the quickest fix would come from marrying an heiress. But Calliope doesn’t care about a title, so Edward must make her care about his land or, possibly, his heart.

While the book starts with the main characters meeting on the wrong foot and, of course, includes some miscommunication issues, the real conflict is internal. Calliope must decide whether she wants to take a risk to give up the life she had expected to have or continue to fight to go home. It was interesting to read because there is not a right or wrong answer to this choice, making her confusion that much more relatable. The majority of characters, including Edward, are English, and Calliope and her family are American.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson 

Staged Evidence by Traci Hunter Abramson - ADVISABLE

Staged Evidence (Pen and Dagger #2) by Traci Hunter Abramson, 304 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $28.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing and illegal activity); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of bombs, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Just running a late-night errand for her boss, Tessa (25yo) doesn’t expect to end up finding a murdered woman and fleeing from the scene. Parker (28yo) gets inspiration for his new mystery play from the woman who shows up on his uncle’s doorstep in the middle of the night. And Detective Murray is determined to apprehend Tessa quickly to clear away all the negative publicity from his last case.

With the first book being about Tessa’s sister and love interest, I expected this sequel to focus on Tessa and Parker in the same way, but Kimber and Brandon have large roles to play in this second book. I enjoyed being part of the action on all sides as the points of view switched between the sisters, those trying to help prove Tessa’s innocence, and those trying to prove Tessa’s guilt. Nothing about the case is straightforward, which puts readers right where they want to be, searching through the clues with everyone else before it’s too late.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Vanished: Seven Women Magicians who Simply Disappeared by Anna Hays - ADVISABLE

Vanished: Seven Women Magicians who Simply Disappeared by Anna Hays, 232 pages. NON-FICTION Bright Matter Books Random House, 2025. $19 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In the Golden Age of Magic, seven talented women headlined their own shows. These women did everything from escapology to mind reading and catching bullets. To make it even more impressive, this was an age when women were supposed to be solely dedicated to hearth and home. These women have been all but forgotten, vanished, as it were. This book shines the spotlight back on their lives and accomplishments. 

What a fun read! I learned so much about the history of magic and how these women perfected their arts. There was some tension, as I worried about whether they would survive some of the more daring stunts, or whether their magic secrets would be revealed. I would have loved to see them perform. This book helps them live again, and is a must read for anyone who loves magic. The layout is engaging and colorful and the writing is succinct and entertaining. The illustrations are colorful and there are photos and playbills of these fascinating women. The women are mostly white, though their countries of origin differ. Ellen Emma Armstrong is black. 

Michelle in the Middle

The Nature of Play by Delfina Aguilar, Clare Aitken, and Sabrina Arnault - ESSENTIAL

The Nature of Play: A Handbook of Nature-Based Activities for all Seasons by Delfina Aguilar and Clare Aitken, illustrated by Sabrina Arnault. 180 pages. NON FICTION. Greystone Books, 2026. $23

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Thoughtfully organized by the four seasons, Aguilar and Aitken show that nature is full of fun and adventure. This isn't about supervising play; it’s about facilitating it. The activities range from the artistic (making natural dyes or leaf prints) to the practical (building shelters and identifying tracks). With stunning photography and a clean layout, it avoids the over-stimulating clutter often found in children’s activity books.

Aguilar makes nature feel accessible. You don’t need to live in a forest to use this book; many activities are perfectly suited for a small urban park or even a backyard. I love that it encourages taking time to play, where you aren't rushing to a scheduled practice, but instead sitting on the ground, noticing the way a beetle moves. This is the perfect gift for a new parent.

S. Lewis

A Love Most Daring by Joanna Barker - ADVISABLE

A Love Most Daring (Bow Street #3) by Joanna Barker, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $19.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use, illegal activity, partial nudity, mild innuendo, and kissing); Violence: PG (assault, gun use, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Returning to London, Beatrice (24yo) is determined to enjoy all the excitement of the city she can before her past catches up to her. Beatrice’s good friend arranges an outing for them with a suitable man to escort Beatrice—unfortunately, Mr. Rawlings takes that man’s place. When the couple is nearly murdered on their outing, they are forced to flee London together until the suspect can be apprehended, illustrating that Mr. Rawlings can ruin not only a fun evening but an entire trip.

Beatrice is a damsel in distress to be saved, yes, but she is not useless. This protagonist is realistically panicked by the stressful situations she finds herself in and also gets to contribute to catching the bad guy in reasonable ways. Everything comes together a little too perfectly in the end in order to give readers their happily ever after, but the conclusion is still satisfactory. Characters from the previous two books in the series are present, but their stories are not required to enjoy this one.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

A Wheelie Awkward Romance by Tess Campbell - ADVISABLE

A Wheelie Awkward Romance by Tess Campbell, 288 pages. NONFICTION. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $28.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, nudity, and discussion of sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL, ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Tess didn’t date much—she was much more excited about calculus than school dances. When Tess finds Corby on a dating site, she is thrilled to find someone who correctly uses capitalization and spelling when they type. Corby is very open about being in a wheelchair and enjoying physical touch. Are those things Tess can handle?

The journey of any relationship is racked with difficulties such as self-doubt, confusion, and miscommunication—which make the joys of figuring out how to fit together with another person that much more amazing! While Tess and Corby have to navigate the very obvious obstacle of Corby’s wheelchair, the more treacherous trial is communication. Tess’s stream of consciousness style of writing is so relatable because of the genuineness it highlights as she works through pros and cons and questions and hopeful solutions.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson - OPTIONAL

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson, 368 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2026. $30.

Language: R (75 swears, 36 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: R

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Suspended detective Samantha from Scotland Yard has declined to follow the suggestion of both her therapist and her boss to start going back to work part time. Until she comes across the murder scene of a 14-year-old in the park on her way home, and Sam changes her mind. On scene, a book titled How to Get Away with Murder is found with the victim, a clue that could lead to the killer—or reveal that there is more than one killer walking free.

Sam’s story is told side by side with chapters from How to Get Away with Murder, mostly in time with how much Sam herself has read at the time. The careful combing of clues from the murder scene and the book is exciting and distressing as theories—suggested by the characters and by readers’ own minds—suggest bad guys lurking everywhere. The clever twists made by Sam and her enemies blew me away, making the last third of the book impossible to put down.

The majority of characters are English, and there are a couple of minor characters in homosexual relationships. The mature content rating is for alcohol use; kissing; illegal activity; innuendo; nudity; groping; and mentions of drugs, abortion, condoms, genitalia, pornography, incest, and sex. The violence rating is for assault; blood and gore; domestic violence; sexual assault; mentions of guns, animal cruelty, torture, and rape; suicide; and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson