Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is a serious, psychologically sophisticated book about a teen athlete trying to outswim his dead brother's legacy while drowning in grief and rage. It's not an easy read, and it shouldn't be—suicide, mental illness, and complicated family dynamics don't get tied up neatly.

What makes it valuable is the honesty. Eva Clark, a psychologist, doesn't offer pat answers or quick healing. Gus is angry, sometimes unlikeable, and very real. The sports world is rendered authentically (Kobe Bryant's involvement matters here), showing how competitive swimming can be both the source of trauma and the vehicle for processing it.

The 4.8 Amazon rating and consistent reviewer praise suggest this resonates with its intended audience. But parents need to know: this is not a book to hand a 12-year-old struggling with sadness. It's for older teens who can handle explicit discussion of suicide and have the emotional bandwidth to sit with difficult feelings.

If your teen is ready for it—or if they're an athlete dealing with pressure, or grieving, or navigating complicated family stuff—this could be genuinely helpful. Just make sure they're prepared for what they're walking into, and maybe read it yourself first so you can talk about it together.

Age Fit

This is solidly for older teens, 15 and up, who have the emotional maturity to process suicide, complicated grief, and intense anger. Not appropriate for middle schoolers or younger teens who aren't ready for that level of psychological heaviness. Adults interested in YA literature exploring mental health would also find value here.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

68

Tackles grief, mental illness, and sibling rivalry with emotional honesty. Gus processes intense anger and trauma around his brother Danny's suicide, which is heavy but handled with psychological insight (co-author Eva Clark is a psychologist). The story models working through difficult emotions rather than avoiding them, though the tone is understandably dark and intense. Wholesome in the sense that it doesn't glorify the tragedy but shows a path through pain via dedication and self-examination.

Imaginative

62

The central metaphor of geese versus swans provides some thematic depth, and the book includes four pieces of original art curated by TaskForce. However, this is primarily a realistic, grounded sports novel about grief—not particularly inventive in structure or style. It's more about emotional authenticity than creative storytelling techniques. The swimming world is rendered vividly but straightforwardly.

Safe

45

Contains significant trigger content: teen suicide by hanging is central to the plot, and Gus grapples with rage, guilt, and complex grief throughout. Common Sense Media confirms the emotional weight and one review notes language concerns for younger teens. This is not a book a young child should stumble into unexpectedly. It's written for older teens who can handle mature themes around mental health and loss, but the suicide content is a major safety consideration that requires parental awareness and readiness.

Enriching

82

This is where the book shines. Multiple reviews highlight its insight into mental illness, grief, and the complicated dynamics of sibling relationships. It offers genuine perspective on how competitive sports can be both punishing and healing, and doesn't shy away from the messy reality of mourning someone you had a difficult relationship with. For teens dealing with loss, pressure, or mental health struggles—or those trying to understand these experiences—this book provides meaningful emotional education. The involvement of a psychologist as co-author shows in the nuanced treatment of trauma.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Written with a psychologist's insight into grief, mental health, and the messy reality of mourning someone you had a complicated relationship with
Doesn't sugarcoat the pain—shows how competitive sports can be both destructive and healing, and how anger can be both motivating and consuming
Kobe Bryant's involvement brings authentic sports culture perspective, and the inclusion of original artwork adds another layer of emotional expression
For teens wrestling with pressure, loss, or family dynamics, this offers real validation and a path through rather than around difficult feelings
Strong 4.8 Amazon rating and consistent praise from reviewers for its emotional depth and influence

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What to Watch For

Brother's suicide by hanging is the inciting event—this is heavy, triggering content that requires emotional readiness and probably a conversation before handing it over
Gus's rage is visceral and constant; he's angry at everyone including himself, which makes for an intense read
Language concerns noted for younger teens—expect realistic teen speech including profanity
This is not a feel-good story with easy resolution; it's about sitting in discomfort and working through trauma, which won't appeal to every reader

Conversation Starters

"Gus is angry at Danny even though Danny died—have you ever felt conflicting emotions about someone, like being mad and sad at the same time?"
"The book shows how swimming is both what connects Gus to Danny and what helps him process his grief. Do you have anything like that—something that's hard but also helps you work through stuff?"
"Gus feels like he lived in Danny's shadow. What do you think it's like when siblings are compared to each other, especially in sports or school?"
"The title 'Geese Are Never Swans' suggests accepting who you are versus trying to be someone else. When do you think it's important to accept yourself versus push to improve?"

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