FAKE SKATING (2026) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Content is limited to mild sexual tension, flirting, and instances of kissing. There are various references to physical attraction and butterflies during close proximity, but scenes do not progress to explicit sexual activity. In Chapter 7, the protagonists experience heightened awareness of their physical bodies while planning their fake-dating scheme. Several scenes involve lingering touches, such as holding hands for appearances or leaning in closely during public displays of affection. The descriptions focus…

Physical violence is minimal, limited to accidental falls on the ice and minor sports-related injuries common in figure skating. There is some verbal aggression and intense rivalry between competitors, particularly when scores are announced. In Chapter 10, a character suffers a fall that emphasizes the physical toll of the sport, involving a bruised hip and a moment of panic. Aside from the occasional shove or aggressive posturing during a confrontation, there are no depictions of physical fighting or intentional…

Contains moderate profanity consistent with contemporary YA fiction, including uses of 'damn,' 'hell,' 'shit,' and 'bitch.' The 'f-word' may appear occasionally but is not pervasive. Much of the language is used by the teenage characters during moments of frustration or in casual banter among teammates. In Chapter 13, a verbal altercation leads to more aggressive insults, though the dialogue remains typical for the genre. Words like 'ass' and 'sucks' are used frequently throughout the text to describe the…

Substance use is not a primary focus. There may be passing mentions of caffeinated energy drinks used for training or parental figures drinking wine at dinner, but no underage drinking or drug use is depicted. The characters are highly disciplined athletes who are often shown hydrating with water or discussing their nutritional needs for peak performance. A few scenes at social gatherings show others possibly drinking, but the main characters do not participate. The presence of alcohol is limited to background…

Major themes include the 'fake dating' trope, the pressure of parental expectations, the mental health impact of competitive sports, academic stress, and finding one's identity outside of a professional hobby. The narrative heavily explores the anxiety the protagonist feels regarding their future and the fear of letting down their family. There are emotional beats centered on the loneliness of high-level training and the difficulty of balancing a social life with a rigorous practice schedule. The story highlights…