American Royals (2019) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains several romantic subplots involving heavy making out, some groping, and characters waking up in bed together, implying sex has occurred off-page between couples like Beatrice and Connor. While there are no graphic anatomical descriptions, there is significant focus on physical attraction and the emotional intensity of forbidden relationships. Several scenes involve characters removing clothing items or feeling the heat of another person's body through their garments. The narrative leans into the…

Physical violence is minimal, limited to a slap and some tense confrontations during high-pressure social events. The primary 'violence' is social and emotional, including blackmail, public shaming, and character assassination used by teenagers like Daphne Deighton to maintain their proximity to the throne. Tensions between characters often result in verbal aggression or the forceful grabbing of an arm rather than traditional combat. Some scenes describe the claustrophobic nature of being swarmed by paparazzi…

Moderate use of profanity throughout, including terms like 'b*tch', 'sh*t', 'a**hole', and 'hell'. The language is consistent with a modern 'teen drama' setting rather than extreme or grit-focused narratives, often used by characters like Samantha or Daphne during moments of high frustration. Insults are frequently gendered or directed at a character's social standing ('commoner'). There are no uses of the harshest four-letter slurs, and the dialogue generally maintains a polished, upper-class tone despite the…

Underage drinking is a significant feature of the story's social setting; characters frequently consume champagne, beer, and cocktails at parties or to cope with stress. Nineteen-year-old Samantha is often depicted seeking out alcohol to rebel against her parents' expectations. There is one mention of a character potentially taking a pill (Xanax) for anxiety without a clear prescription context, emphasizing the mental health strain of royal life. Wine is used as a social lubricant at nearly every formal dinner or…

Major themes include the crushing weight of institutional duty, the class divide between commoners and royals, and the ethics of manipulation in high-stakes social circles. Beatrice struggles with the prospect of an arranged marriage while Nina deals with the isolation of being the only 'normal' person in a world of privilege. There is also a focus on grief following the decline of King George's health, which forces the siblings to confront their mortality and their future roles. The book explores the performative…