2024
WISE Score
Amazon
Rugby stars, heavy trauma, and a TikTok-famous romance that’ll make you cry—just keep it far away from the middle schoolers.
4.6
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Binding 13 is a massive TikTok hit for a reason: it’s emotionally exhausting in a way that fans of 'ugly cry' books love. It deals with some very real, very dark themes like domestic abuse and soul-crushing bullying.
It’s not 'brain rot'—the writing has actual weight and the characters feel like real people—but it’s definitely not for younger teens. If you have an older teen who enjoys gritty contemporary fiction, this is a solid pick, but be prepared for some heavy conversations afterward.
This is strictly for the 17+ crowd. It’s marketed as Young Adult, but with the level of trauma and mature themes, it’s firmly in the 'New Adult' category. If your kid is still in middle school, this is a hard pass.
The core relationship is built on protection and support, but the story is steeped in trauma, domestic instability, and the darker side of high school social hierarchies.
It follows standard contemporary sports romance beats. While the emotional depth is high, it doesn't break new ground in terms of setting or structure.
Capped due to intense depictions of physical abuse, severe bullying, and trauma. This is 'New Adult' territory, not a light read for kids.
Strong focus on empathy and the psychological impact of bullying. It offers a raw look at how people survive toxic environments through connection.
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