Blankets (2015) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The sexual content is presented through a lens of adolescent discovery and first love between Craig and Raina. Several scenes depict the two characters sharing a bed, often cuddling or sleeping while fully or partially clothed. There are stylistic depictions of tasteful nudity, particularly in artistic or metaphorical contexts, and Frank discussions about bodies and physical attraction occur. One scene involves a babysitter making inappropriate physical contact with the boys, which is handled with narrative…

Violence is primarily centered on the physical and emotional abuse the Thompson brothers face during their childhood in rural Wisconsin. Their father uses harsh corporal punishment, such as locking them in a dark 'cubby hole' or striking them, which is visually depicted through expressive and sometimes frightening line work. Craig and his brother Phil are also subjected to intense bullying by peers, including physical altercations and psychological cruelty at school and church camp. A particularly harrowing…

The dialogue utilizes realistic teenage speech which includes occasional mild profanity and derogatory labels common in rural social settings. Words like 'hell,' 'damn,' 'shit,' and 'piss' appear infrequently to emphasize moments of frustration or peer pressure. Some characters use insensitive language or slurs to denote social hierarchy or to bully others, reflecting the harsh environment of Craig's upbringing. The language is never gratuitous but serves to ground the story's realism and contrast with the formal…

Substance use is very minimal and relegated to the background of the story, reflecting the strict evangelical environment of Craig's family. There are brief mentions of beer or alcohol in social settings, particularly involving secondary characters or peers outside of the church circle. No main characters are depicted as being under the influence of illegal drugs, and there is no glamorization of substance use. The focus remains strictly on the characters' emotional and spiritual journeys. The presence of alcohol…

This graphic novel explores a profound crisis of faith as Craig struggles to reconcile his artistic nature with his oppressive evangelical upbringing. It movingly depicts the beauty and eventual heartbreak of first love between Craig and Raina, exploring how distance and differing life paths lead to its end. Heavy themes of childhood trauma and sexual abuse are explored through flashbacks that explain the characters' anxieties. The story examines the struggle for identity, the burden of guilt, and the healing…