Note: Some of the concerning content, such as advertising non-children’s graphic novels from the author in a children’s book are repeated here. Please read our review of the original book (Stepping Stones) as well to get the full picture.
This sequel expands upon a relationship that worried us from the first graphic novel. In the first, the neighbors, two male farmers, are shown standing a little too close and interacting in a way that is not natural. As we expected (and feared) this is expanded upon in the sequels. There is no more hinting, this is basically confirmed to be a gay relationship between these two men. The illustrations show the hand of one of the men on the back of the other, then affectionately holding his arm, then arm around each other. From a Christian perspective, these pictures show just how completely unnatural this is. On that note, the nephew character calls these men “my uncles”.
A new set of concerning content is introduced here. This book happens in the fall time and the author uses this setting to introduce a lot of darker content. From a secular standpoint, many won’t see this as a big deal, but for Christians we are not called to celebrate darkness alongside the culture. Early in the book Jen draws a ghost, witch and other evil things. The term “spooky” is used in a very positive light. We hear of a “haunted hayride” which features zombies, witches, characters with very creepy masks. One character says, “bats, ghosts and zombies. It’s gonna be awesome”. There are drawings of these types of things throughout. The main characters eventually participate in this creepy event, with Jen dressing as a zombie. There is a lot of this.
There is also a significant ramp up in the amount of dating/crush related content. Two kids hug when alone. This eventually becomes multiple scenes of romantic kissing. The worst of this comes when Jen walks in on her mom and boyfriend (who she has moved in with) romantically embracing and kissing in their room when they think no one is home (remember the inevitable young audience of these graphic novels).