Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is smart, funny, and genuinely original—exactly what you want from a YA novel that respects its audience. Patrick Ness takes the standard 'teens save the world' formula and flips it: what about everyone else?

The mental health rep is the real deal. Mikey's OCD isn't cute or quirky—it's exhausting and scary and he's working through it. Same with his mom's alcoholism and his sister's eating disorder. This is a family barely holding it together, and Ness doesn't sugarcoat it. If your teen is dealing with similar stuff, this could be validating. If they're sensitive to these topics, proceed with caution.

The meta-structure is chef's kiss. Each chapter opens with summaries of the 'real' YA novel happening elsewhere (indie kids fighting soul-eating ghosts), while Mikey just wants to graduate and ask Henna to prom. It's hilarious and makes you think about whose stories matter. Six starred reviews and a Printz nod don't lie—this is well-crafted stuff.

There's drinking, swearing, and some fade-to-black sexual content, but nothing gratuitous. It reads like actual teen life, not a sanitized version. At 14-16+, if your kid is a reader who likes books that make them think, this is a winner.

Age Fit

Best for ages 14+ who can handle realistic mental health content and mature themes. The meta-narrative requires some familiarity with YA tropes to fully appreciate, so it works best for readers who've already consumed a fair amount of teen fiction.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

Focuses on realistic teen struggles—OCD, anxiety, family dysfunction, and friendship—with genuine emotional depth. Mikey's battle with OCD and his mother's recovery from alcoholism are handled thoughtfully. However, the book includes casual swearing, underage drinking at parties, and some sexual content (though not graphic). The tone is tart and humorous rather than preachy, which feels authentic to teen experience. Models loyalty and growth through Mikey's relationships, though characters make plenty of mistakes along the way.

Imaginative

88

Brilliantly meta concept: what if you're NOT the Chosen One in a YA novel? Each chapter opens with summaries of the 'indie kids' saving the world from supernatural threats, while the actual story follows ordinary teens dealing with prom, graduation, and relationships. This structural innovation is genuinely clever and invites readers to think about narrative tropes and whose stories get told. The juxtaposition of apocalyptic fantasy elements happening in the background while Mikey stresses about asking someone to prom is both funny and thought-provoking.

Safe

68

Common Sense Media user reviews note 'mild swearing and sex but not described in too much detail' and 'mild violence but not graphic.' The book deals with heavy themes: OCD (Mikey's compulsive behaviors are detailed), eating disorders, alcoholism, anxiety, and family dysfunction. There's underage drinking, implied sexual activity between teens, and some kissing scenes. One reviewer notes it's 'quite tricky to understand' for sensitive readers. No graphic violence or explicit content, but the mental health struggles are realistic and could be triggering for some teens dealing with similar issues.

Enriching

85

Six starred reviews and a Printz Award shortlist for good reason. The book offers genuine insight into mental health, family dynamics, and the pressure to be 'special.' Mikey's OCD is portrayed with nuance and empathy—not as a quirk but as a real struggle. The meta-commentary on YA tropes encourages critical thinking about storytelling and representation. Themes of acceptance, friendship, and finding meaning in 'ordinary' life are handled with intelligence and humor. Patrick Ness (author of the acclaimed A Monster Calls) brings literary weight while keeping it accessible and engaging for teens.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Brilliant meta-concept: supernatural YA drama happens in chapter summaries while the real story follows normal teens stressing about prom and graduation
Thoughtful, nuanced portrayal of OCD, anxiety, and family dysfunction—Mikey's struggles feel real, not romanticized
From Patrick Ness (A Monster Calls)—six starred reviews and Printz Award shortlist for sharp writing and humor
Subverts YA tropes while celebrating the 'ordinary' kids whose stories don't usually get told
Funny, tart, and genuinely insightful about finding meaning when you're not special

⚠

What to Watch For

Detailed portrayal of OCD behaviors and intrusive thoughts—could be triggering or helpful depending on your teen
Includes underage drinking, mild swearing, and implied sexual activity (not graphic but present)
Deals with eating disorders, alcoholism, and family dysfunction—heavy themes handled well but not light reading
The meta-narrative structure might confuse younger or less experienced readers

Conversation Starters

"Do you ever feel like you're just living in the background while other people are having big dramatic lives?"
"Mikey has OCD and it really affects his daily life. What did you think about how the book showed that?"
"The 'indie kids' are saving the world but we never really meet them. Whose story do you think is more important?"
"If you could be a Chosen One with a big destiny or just have a normal happy life, which would you pick?"

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