Holding Up the Universe (2017) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is a central theme, manifesting in kissing, cuddling, and internal monologues about physical attraction between Jack and Libby. There are references to 'hooking up' and masturbation, but no graphic or detailed sexual descriptions of intercourse. One character, Jack, is involved in a secret, non-monogamous relationship with Caroline early in the book, which includes heavy making out. Later, Jack and Libby share intimate moments involving touching each other's faces to compensate for Jack's prosopagnosia…

The most significant violence occurs during high school bullying incidents, including the cruel 'Fat Girl Rodeo' game where a student jumps on Libby's back. There are descriptions of past medical trauma, including the removal of Libby from her house via a crane and sawed-out wall which is described as a terrifying and public violation. A physical altercation involves Libby punching Jack in the face during a confrontation about the bullying game. Other moments include aggressive pushing in the hallways and Jack's…

Moderate usage of profanity throughout, including 'f*ck,' 'sh*t,' 'asshole,' and 'bitch.' The language reflects realistic high school dialogue and heightened emotional moments between the protagonists, particularly when Libby is defending herself against bullies. Slurs related to weight are used by antagonistic characters to demean Libby. Jack also uses strong language internally when frustrated by his inability to recognize faces. Overall, the frequency of profanity is consistent with the Young Adult genre's…

Minor references to alcohol use appear mostly in the context of Jack's home life and social circles. Jack mentions his father's drinking habits and the smell of beer, which adds to the domestic tension he feels. There are brief mentions of teenagers drinking at parties, though it is not a focal point of the narrative or presented as a positive activity. No drug use is depicted, and characters do not struggle with addiction personally. The focus remains on the emotional consequences of the adults' drinking rather…

Heavy focus on grief following the sudden death of Libby's mother, which triggered Libby's agoraphobia and weight gain. The book deals extensively with body image, clinical obesity, and the neurological condition prosopagnosia (face blindness) that Jack hides from everyone. Self-harm is mentioned in the context of Jack's past behavior where he describes picking at his skin until it bleeds to cope with anxiety. Themes of social isolation, the cruelty of peer groups, and the redemptive power of self-acceptance are…