The ultra concerning content for parent doesn’t show up until pretty late in the book. We find out the ultra-likable and kind character Justin is gay. He calls Greg “cute” and to make it clear tells Callie “Like, I like boys? Yeah”. Probably worst of all is that this scene comes across as a totally normal, “what’s the big deal” type situation. Later we see this Justin smitten with another young man and at one point we see him floating on air after talking to him. About another young man he remarks, “Toooooootal cutie”.

The worst moment related to this comes 90% of the way through the book. The leading lady in the play they have been working on refuses to go on stage at the last minute. All of a sudden a young man in a dress walks out. The gay young man from earlier? No. The author has his brother, who earlier we are told was straight, be the one to come out. He speaks and sings the girl part in a bright red dress. Then he proceeds to kiss the leading young man (another straight character). The kiss is long and drawn out. Not done yet with the confusion, the author has this second young man invite Callie to a dance… only to ditch her, realizing he may be gay… or bi, but he’s not sure.

Not that more is needed, but here is the rest of the concerning content we found:

This book opens with a young man Greg confiding in the main character Callie that he and his girlfriend have just broken up. She gets excited, smiles and kisses him. Illustrated we see them start to kiss more as the scene fades out.

Other things to be aware of:

• Callie is rude to a girl we are supposed to not like (as if it is ok)
• Manga is mentioned in a positive light
• Justin lies to help Callie make Greg jealous (shown in a positive light)
• A character comments, “Wow, this place is like a haunted mansion”
• The following things are also found in the book: “shut up”, “wicked” (in place of cool)