Book Review: Prom Dates from Hell
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that there is some violence and
swearing here, as well as many references to things commercial
and sexual, though nothing graphic.
Families can talk about why so many books and movies depict teens being horrible to one another, and yet, despite the prevalence of this theme in our culture, nothing seems to change. Are the depictions of teen social nastiness accurate? Are bullying and ostracism really this prevalent? If so, why don't the regular negative depictions of bullies and vicious popular kids have any effect?
Common Sense Media Review
Cross
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
with
Ghostbusters
, and you'll have a good sense of the tone and fun of PROM
DATES FROM HELL. Fans of those movies will enjoy the many
references to them scattered throughout the book. Maggie has
many of Buffy's characteristics: a reluctant talent with the
supernatural; a sarcastic wit when dealing with demons,
bullies, and her own fears; and a way of comparing high school
with Hell that provides much of the book's humor.
In the second half, the story turns darker, as the action and horror move towards their climax at the prom, and the humor gives way to suspense. Not all of it makes complete sense, but it's all in good fun, and Maggie's sardonic voice keeps it light and entertaining. As with Buffy and Ghostbusters, it's best not to scrutinize the details -- just sit back and enjoy the wacky ride.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
