DOGS, BOYS, AND OTHER THINGS I'VE CRIED ABOUT (2026) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is a subplot, featuring flirting and mild physical affection like hand-holding and kissing between the protagonist and her love interest. While there is plenty of romantic tension throughout the narrative, there is no graphic sexual content, explicit anatomical descriptions, or sexual activity beyond kissing. Early chapters focus on the nervous energy of a new crush, while later chapters depict a more sustained, passionate kiss as the relationship develops. The content remains appropriate for the YA target…

Physical violence is minimal, though the protagonist deals with the emotional distress of seeing neglected foster dogs throughout the novel. There are descriptions of dogs arriving at the rescue with visible signs of past mistreatment, which are discussed in a matter-of-fact way to highlight the importance of rescue work. One specific instance in Chapter 11 involves a foster dog snapping out of fear, resulting in a minor scratch on the protagonist's arm that requires simple cleaning. No characters are…

Expect mild profanity frequent in modern YA, including words like 'damn,' 'hell,' 'crap,' and 'ass' used in casual conversation. There are a few instances of stronger terms like 'shit' used in moments of high frustration or during heated arguments between family members. The language is reflective of how contemporary teenagers speak in realistic fiction and is never used in a derogatory or hateful manner. Most of the 'edgy' dialogue occurs when characters are venting about the stresses of school or the emotional…

This book includes very mild substance use content that is strictly contextual to the adult characters in the background. Examples include parents shown having a glass of wine together during a celebratory dinner or relaxing after a long day of work. There is no depiction of underage drinking, illegal drug use, or smoking by the protagonist or her peers. The mention of alcohol is brief and serves to ground the family scenes in a realistic setting without emphasizing the consumption itself. The focus remains…

The story heavily features themes of emotional resilience, the grieving process, and the complexities of human-animal bonds as the protagonist manages her foster dogs. It explores the feeling of 'otherness' and the search for identity through caregiving, advocacy, and the high-pressure environment of high school. Readers will encounter scenes of intense sadness when foster dogs are rehomed, representing the bittersweet nature of the rescue cycle. The protagonist also navigates a shifting family dynamic, dealing…