How 'mature' is the romance in this book?

It stays firmly in the YA category. Expect some making out and heavy emotional tension, but it doesn't cross into 'steamy' or explicit territory. It's safe for most middle and high schoolers.

Is the LGBTQ+ representation handled realistically?

Yes, it focuses heavily on the internal process of coming out and the fear of disrupting social norms, which many readers find very relatable.

Do I need to read other books first?

No, this is a standalone novel. It’s a complete story from start to finish.

Is there a lot of 'mean girl' or toxic behavior?

While there is some social pressure and gossip (it's a boarding school, after all), the book generally stays away from the hyper-toxic bullying found in some other teen series.

If We Were Us – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

If We Were Us

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2020

78%

WISE Score

A boarding school romance that flips the script on expectations, proving the 'perfect couple' everyone sees might not be a couple at all.

If We Were Us

book

2020

78%

WISE Score

A boarding school romance that flips the script on expectations, proving the 'perfect couple' everyone sees might not be a couple at all.

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Where to Read

Amazon

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Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

If your kid is into the 'preppy boarding school' aesthetic but wants something more inclusive and modern, this is a winner. It avoids the toxic drama often found in older series like Gossip Girl while still delivering the romance and 'Bexley School' atmosphere.

It’s a breezy read that handles serious topics like coming out and the fear of the future with a light but sincere touch. It’s not going to change the world, but it’s a solid, affirming choice for a weekend read.

Age Fit

Perfect for the 13-18 crowd. It's squarely aimed at teens navigating their own identities and the social hierarchy of high school.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Focuses on genuine friendship and the courage to be honest about one's identity. The central bond between Sage and Charlie is a solid model of platonic support even as they navigate romantic confusion.

Imaginative

While it uses a familiar boarding school setting, it earns points for subverting the 'best friends to lovers' trope that usually dominates the genre.

Safe

Standard YA romance territory. It deals with identity and dating in a way that's appropriate for the target teen audience without leaning into shock value or gratuitous content.

Enriching

Provides a thoughtful look at the internal and external pressures of coming out, especially in high-pressure social environments like a prestigious boarding school.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Trope-flipping narrative that takes the 'will-they-won't-they' cliché and turns it on its head early on.
Dual perspectives allow readers to see the internal struggles of both Sage and Charlie as they navigate senior year.
Strong LGBTQ+ representation that focuses on the nuance of coming out in a community where everyone thinks they already have you figured out.
Boarding school vibes provide that classic escapist setting that YA readers tend to love.

⚠

What to Watch For

The plot leans heavily on misunderstandings and peer pressure, which might be frustrating for readers who prefer more direct character communication.
Expect the usual teen angst regarding social status and 'forever' relationships that are typical for the 17-year-old demographic.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the people around Sage and Charlie were so insistent on them being a couple?"
"How does the boarding school environment change the way these characters have to handle their private lives?"
"What did you think about the way Charlie handled his feelings for Luke versus the expectations of his family?"
"Is it better to stay in a 'safe' relationship or take a risk on something that might not last after high school?"

Deep Dive

Subverting the Script

If We Were Us lands in a crowded field of YA contemporary romance, but it manages to stand out by being honest about a very specific kind of social pressure: the 'shipped' couple. We’ve all seen it—the two best friends that every parent and teacher assumes will end up at the altar. By making that assumption the central conflict rather than the end goal, the book allows its characters to explore who they actually are when the spotlight of expectation is turned off.

The setting of the Bexley School provides a high-stakes backdrop. In a closed environment like a boarding school, your reputation is your currency, which makes Charlie’s hesitation to embrace his feelings for Luke feel earned rather than just a plot device. It’s a 2020 release that feels very 'now,' avoiding the dated feel of early 2000s teen lit while keeping the cozy, academic aesthetic that remains a staple of the genre.

For parents, it’s a low-stress recommendation. There isn't the 'edge' or darkness found in grit-heavy YA; instead, it focuses on the emotional intelligence required to maintain a lifelong friendship while your romantic lives head in opposite directions. If your teen enjoyed books like Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, this will be right up their alley.

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