I'll Take You There (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Content includes frank discussions of teenage pregnancy, contraception, and evolving sexual identities. There are references to desire and historical societal shame surrounding sex, but detailed on-page sexual encounters are minimal. Felix Funicello navigates the memories of his sister Frances and the 'shameful' context of unplanned pregnancy in the 1950s. The narrative addresses the evolving understanding of gender identity as Felix learns more about his family's hidden truths. While there are mentions of…

Violence is mostly historical or psychological, involving family conflicts and the systemic mistreatment of women. There are mild references to physical altercations and the standard perils found in silent film era depictions, such as scenes from Lois Weber's films. A key moment involves a sister being mistreated by a male peer, highlighting the physical vulnerability of women during that era. Domestic tension and the threat of physical discipline within the Funicello household are present but rarely result in…

Contains occasional use of strong profanity including sh*t and f*ck, along with period-typical slurs or derogatory terms used to illustrate historical sexism or homophobia. Characters like Felix and his sisters use 'damn' and 'hell' frequently in casual conversation. In moments of high stress, such as when family secrets are revealed, the language becomes more aggressive. The author uses these terms to ground the story in a realistic, gritty 20th-century setting. Profanity is often tied to moments of frustration…

Social drinking and smoking are present, consistent with the mid-20th-century setting and the film industry environment. Characters frequently consume martinis and other cocktails during social gatherings and stressful evenings at home. Cigarette smoking is depicted as a standard social habit for adults during the 1950s and 60s. There is no focus on illicit drug abuse or addiction as a primary plot point. The use of alcohol is generally used to set the scene of the era or to show a character attempting to relax…

Serious exploration of feminism across generations, the impact of the silent film era, the challenges of aging, and family secrets. It deals heavily with how women were treated as second-class citizens in both Hollywood and suburban America. Through the ghost of Lois Weber, Felix views the struggles of his mother and sisters, examining the sacrifices they made. The book tackles difficult subjects like gender identity, the burden of caregiving, and the preservation of history through film. The overarching theme is…