Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is an important book. A National Book Award finalist that finally gives voice to Mexican American teens navigating impossible family expectations, grief, and mental health. Sánchez doesn't pull punches—Julia's depression is real, her suicide attempt is explicit, and the family dysfunction is painful to witness.

But here's the thing: it's also darkly funny, sharply observed, and ultimately hopeful. Julia wants to be a writer, she falls in love, she figures out that her 'perfect' sister was just as trapped by expectations as she is. The book validates that healing takes time and therapy helps.

That said, this is NOT for younger teens or middle schoolers. The content warnings are serious: suicide attempt, self-harm, sexual assault, explicit language, sexual content. One review recommends 13+ but honestly, 14+ feels more appropriate unless you have a particularly mature 13-year-old.

If your teen is ready for it, this is the kind of book that can be life-changing—especially for kids who feel crushed by family or cultural expectations. Just make sure they're emotionally prepared for the journey.

Age Fit

Best for mature 14+ readers who can handle heavy themes including suicide, sexual assault, and mental health struggles. This is not middle grade—it's a sophisticated, emotionally demanding YA novel that requires readiness for dark content. Adults will appreciate it too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

45

This is a raw, honest portrayal of grief, family dysfunction, and teenage mental health struggles. Julia deals with severe depression, self-harm, and a suicide attempt. The family dynamic is emotionally toxic at times, with her mother channeling grief into constant criticism. While the book ultimately moves toward healing and understanding, the journey is heavy and emotionally challenging. It's authentic, not sanitized—which is valuable but far from 'wholesome' in the traditional sense.

Imaginative

68

Sánchez brings a distinctive voice to the YA immigrant experience, blending Julia's sharp wit, literary ambitions, and cultural observations. The narrative structure—uncovering Olga's secret life through detective work—adds mystery and intrigue. Julia's writing aspirations and her perspective on straddling two cultures offer fresh angles. However, this is primarily a contemporary realism story, not one that pushes boundaries of form or invites readers into fantastical worlds.

Safe

35

Multiple serious content warnings: suicide attempt, self-harm, sexual assault (Olga's story), teen pregnancy, explicit language, sexual content, and detailed depictions of depression. The Plugged In review notes Julia discovers her sister was having an affair and died pregnant. One review explicitly recommends ages 13+ due to 'self harm, rape, abuse, and vulgar language.' This is not a book a younger child should stumble into unexpectedly—it requires emotional readiness and context.

Enriching

82

This is an important, National Book Award finalist that tackles mental health, immigrant family dynamics, cultural expectations, grief, and identity with unflinching honesty. It offers Mexican American teens a mirror and others a window into experiences rarely centered in YA lit. The book validates complex emotions, shows therapy as helpful, and explores how perfectionism and cultural pressure affect mental health. It's genuinely educational about intergenerational trauma and the cost of keeping family secrets. High entertainment value too—sharp, funny, page-turning despite heavy themes.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

National Book Award finalist that centers Mexican American teen experience with authenticity and sharp wit
Tackles mental health, therapy, and suicide with unflinching honesty—shows healing is possible but messy
Julia is a compelling, flawed protagonist who wants to be a writer and refuses to fit the 'perfect daughter' mold
Explores intergenerational trauma, immigrant family dynamics, and the cost of cultural expectations in ways that validate teen experiences
Page-turning mystery element as Julia uncovers her 'perfect' sister's secret life

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What to Watch For

Suicide attempt, self-harm, depression—this is heavy and requires emotional readiness, not for younger teens
Sexual assault in backstory, teen pregnancy, explicit language, sexual content
Family conflict is intense and sometimes emotionally abusive—may be triggering for kids in similar dynamics
Not a feel-good read despite humor—this is about sitting with pain before finding hope

Conversation Starters

"How do you think Julia's family could have better supported each other after Olga's death?"
"What do you think about the pressure to be 'perfect'—in your family, at school, or with friends?"
"Julia finds therapy helpful. What do you think stops people from asking for help when they're struggling?"
"How does keeping secrets affect families? Why do you think Olga hid so much of her life?"
"What does Julia learn about her mom by the end? How do their cultural backgrounds shape their conflict?"

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I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter