The biggest issue to be aware of (a common one) is that Stella is not the kindest to her little sister. There are many moments where we wish the author had used the opportunity to show more love and kindness that we want to see modeled in our children’s relationships with each other.

On a related note, we see Stella being a bit disrespectful to adults (this is not frequent or over the top, but it is present). At one point she says an unkind lunchroom monitor has “mean little goober eyes”. She later says she “hates” him.

There are a few instances where she is dishonest as well. She also “wishes” for things she wants (clicking her heels together like in The Wizard of Oz). She refers to unkind kids as “Meanies”.

A few other things to be aware of:

Stella comments that her pregnant mother looks like the “chocolate buddahs” sold at their candy store.

There is a reference to the music artist Prince (aka “the artist formerly known as Prince”).

Stella’s 5-year-old sister Penny calls her stuffed animal her “boyfriend”.

The term “poophead” is used once and “poop” is used a handful of times.