Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased. Screenwise is a Bookshop.org affiliate and an Amazon Associate, so if you buy a book through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Bookshop.org purchases also support independent bookstores.
Screenwise Verdict
Here's the thing: this is legitimately excellent YA literature. It won the Printz for a reason—the writing is sophisticated, the themes are thought-provoking, and the representation is meaningful. A.S. King curated a collection that treats teen readers like the complex humans they are.
But it's also very much a high school book. The f-words, the graphic violence, the sexual themes—these aren't gratuitous, but they're present. If your teen loved 'Dig' or 'I Crawl Through It,' they'll eat this up. If they're still reading Percy Jackson, wait a year or two.
The experimental, literary style is both a feature and a potential bug. Teens who enjoy unconventional narratives will find this refreshing. Kids who want straightforward plots might find it frustrating. This is a 'discuss with your English teacher' book, not a 'zone out on the couch' book—and that's perfectly fine for the right reader.
Age Fit
This is squarely for high school readers (14+) who can handle mature language, occasional graphic content, and experimental storytelling. The literary style and nuanced themes make it ideal for advanced readers or book club discussions, not casual beach reads.
WISE Breakdown
Wholesome
72
Award-winning YA anthology with positive messages about identity, creativity, and self-discovery through diverse characters and LGBTQ+ representation. However, includes mature elements like profanity (f-word, s-word), adult substance use (drinking, smoking), and some adult-level romance that push beyond typical wholesome territory for younger teens.
Imaginative
88
Exceptionally creative premise featuring nine contemporary YA writers exploring unusual obsessions—from hoarding fragments of others' collections to gathering 'types of fire.' The literary, experimental storytelling approach and metaphor of collecting as self-discovery shows high originality. Won the 2024 Printz Award for literary excellence in teen literature.
Safe
58
Marketed clearly as 14+ with transparent content warnings, but includes several intense elements: graphic violence (character hit by laser with 'blood, guts, and bits of flesh' described), implied sexual intimacy, frequent strong profanity, and substance use by adults. Not unsafe per se—it's age-appropriate YA—but definitely has content that would be inappropriate for younger readers stumbling upon it.
Enriching
86
Printz Award winner showcasing literary excellence with thought-provoking themes about identity, obsession, and belonging. Features diverse voices including LGBTQ+ characters and cultural backgrounds, offering nuanced moral questions and rich representation. The experimental storytelling builds critical thinking skills, though the literary style may challenge some readers.
Parent Info
✓
Why It Might Be Great
Won the 2024 Printz Award for literary excellence—this is the real deal in YA fiction
Nine different contemporary voices (including Jason Reynolds, M.T. Anderson, David Levithan) means varied styles and perspectives
Strong LGBTQ+ representation and diverse characters exploring identity through unconventional metaphors
The experimental, literary approach challenges teens to think beyond typical YA fare
Perfect for high schoolers who loved 'Dig' or other A.S. King work and want something intellectually meaty
⚠
What to Watch For
Graphic violence in at least one story—'blood, guts, and bits of flesh' is not metaphorical
F-bombs and s-words appear throughout; also adult drinking and smoking
Implied sexual content and adult-level romance—not explicit but present
The literary, experimental style can be confusing for younger or less mature readers who prefer straightforward plots
This is high school-level content; don't hand it to your 12-year-old without reading it first
Conversation Starters
"What do you collect, even if it's not physical things? Memories? Experiences? Screenshots?"
"Which story felt the most relatable to you, and why do you think people get obsessed with collecting?"
"Some of these characters use collecting to understand themselves—do you think that actually works?"
"The violence in one story was pretty graphic—did that feel necessary to the story or gratuitous?"
"How did the different writing styles affect your experience? Which author's voice resonated most?"
