Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of book that will wreck some teens in the best way and leave others feeling meh—which honestly tracks with that 3.7 Amazon rating.

The verse format is both a strength and potential weakness. For kids who connect with poetry, this will feel like a gut-punch of beautiful language. For kids who don't, it might feel too spare or emotionally distant. The reviews are split: some call it 'stunning' and 'haunting,' others seem to have wanted more.

What's clear: this is a serious book about serious things. If your teen is in a good headspace and interested in exploring grief, family dynamics, and emotional complexity, this could be powerful. If they're struggling with loss themselves, maybe save it for later. The mystery of the disappearance adds narrative drive, but this isn't a thriller—it's a meditation on pain and healing.

Solid choice for mature middle schoolers and high schoolers who want emotional depth in a quick, literary package. Just know what you're getting into.

Age Fit

Best for ages 13-17. The themes of parental death and sibling disappearance require emotional maturity, but the verse format and relatively short length make it accessible for middle schoolers and up who are ready for heavier content.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

78

A novel-in-verse exploring grief, sisterhood, and family bonds with emotional depth and sensitivity. The dual perspective format allows readers to understand both sisters' struggles with loss and guilt. The tone is melancholic but appropriate for teens processing complex emotions, modeling how families navigate tragedy even when they drift apart. No toxic relationships or unhealthy dynamics—just realistic portrayals of people struggling to cope.

Imaginative

72

The verse format itself is creative and allows for lyrical, evocative storytelling that invites readers to fill in emotional spaces between stanzas. The metaphor of being 'frozen by grief' and needing to 'unthaw' is poetic. The mystery element of Ariana's disappearance adds intrigue. However, this is more emotionally imaginative than world-building imaginative—it's grounded in realistic teen experience rather than fantastical exploration.

Safe

70

The book deals with heavy themes: death of a parent, a sister's mysterious disappearance, grief, and guilt. While there's no indication of graphic content, violence, or inappropriate material, these are emotionally intense topics that could be triggering for teens dealing with similar losses. The 'mysterious disappearance' element could be unsettling. As a book, it's safe in the traditional sense—no sexual content, no gore—but emotionally weighty enough to warrant consideration of a teen's current mental state.

Enriching

82

Strong emotional and empathetic growth potential. Readers explore complex feelings around grief, survivor's guilt, family relationships, and how people process loss differently. The dual perspective teaches perspective-taking and understanding that everyone's pain manifests uniquely. The verse format builds literary appreciation and shows how poetry can convey deep emotion. Reviews consistently praise it as 'moving,' 'haunting,' and emotionally resonant—exactly the kind of book that helps teens develop emotional intelligence.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Novel-in-verse format makes heavy themes more digestible and creates beautiful, lyrical reading experience
Dual perspectives show how siblings can process the same trauma completely differently—great for building empathy
Quick read (verse is fast-paced) but emotionally impactful, perfect for reluctant readers who want depth
Tackles grief and family dysfunction honestly without being preachy or offering false comfort
Mystery element (where did Ariana go?) keeps pages turning while exploring serious emotional territory

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What to Watch For

Heavy emotional content: dead parent, missing sister, survivor's guilt—not for kids currently dealing with fresh trauma
The 3.7 Amazon rating suggests some readers found it less impactful than expected; may not land for everyone
Open-ended or ambiguous elements might frustrate readers who want clear resolution

Conversation Starters

"Row feels guilty about her sister leaving. Have you ever felt responsible for something that wasn't really your fault?"
"The sisters dealt with their mom's death in totally different ways. How do you think people in the same family can grieve so differently?"
"If someone you loved was pulling away, what would you do? Would you give them space or try harder to connect?"
"The book uses the metaphor of being 'frozen' by grief. What do you think it means to 'unthaw' from something painful?"

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