Concerning & Potentially Concerning Content

There are some serious subjects in this book. There are home break-ins and a teen is missing. A comment is made about potential racial inequality. Dad is described as homicide detective and Ali worries his friend might no longer be living. The Dad has been falsely accused of police brutality and “bad cops” are discussed. There is a quick mention of “online predators”, but no description. While they are intentionally treated lightly parents will want to make sure their child is ready. The most concerning direct comment, much heavier than anything else in this category, comes when his friend says, “I just wanted you to know I wasn’t cut up in pieces somewhere.” Probably the most concerning content comes through references your child may be tempted to want to look into further. There are a few mystery books and authors that would need to be reviewed. Ali mentions watching a lot of Law and Order. He also mentions super hero movies and Stranger Things. The worst comes at one point where he mentions he watches scary movies (“the scarier the better”) and starts referencing real examples. The icing on the cake comes in telling he is not really supposed to be watching them (one of at least a couple activities he mentions in this category). Parents should also realize that this book and series may naturally point a child to want to read the related Alex Cross book series belonging to the dad. Realize that this series is for adults and should be treated/reviewed accordingly. Video games and movies, including excessive use of them, feels a bit glorified at times. Ali loses his cool a few times. He mentions hating another kid and uses a few names, such as “dipstick”. At one point he is coaxed into a fistfight. This is not glorified, but it is something to discuss with your child if they are allowed to read. Ali also sneaks out to investigate multiple times, often into very dangerous situations (at one point the bad guy tells Ali “I will cut you up”). Upon finding his friend he promises he won’t tell anyone, which we parents would want our kids to know is not the right answer.