Kate in Waiting (2021) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Sexual content is limited to kissing, heavy pining, and verbal references to attraction and 'crushes.' There are no explicit sex scenes, though characters discuss 'thirst' and physical attraction in a modern teenage context. Kate and Andy often discuss the aesthetics of their mutual crush, Matt, in ways that include comments on his looks and physical appeal. Romantic interactions between characters are centered on emotional connection and the anticipation of physical closeness, such as hand-holding or long-awaited…

Violence is nearly non-existent, centered entirely around low-stakes high school drama, verbal arguments, and the occasional physical clumsiness typical of stage rehearsals. The primary 'aggression' in the book is social, involving the cold shoulder or tense verbal confrontations between friends and theater rivals. During scenes at the school theater, characters may trip or bump into props, but no one sustains a serious injury. A scene involving a character falling on stage is played for emotional vulnerability…

Strong language is present throughout the dialogue, including frequent uses of 'sh*t,' 'ass,' and 'hell,' along with teenage slang and mild anatomical references used for comedic effect. Words like 'damn' and 'sucks' are used casually in almost every chapter to reflect the authentic voices of modern adolescents. Characters also use theater-specific jargon and modern social media slang like 'thirsting' or 'shipping.' While the profanity is frequent, it is never used in a hateful or derogatory manner. The frequency…

There is very little substance use; typical of the genre, there may be fleeting mentions of parties, but it is not a focal point of the narrative. Characters attend a few social gatherings where older teens might be present, but Kate and Andy are not depicted drinking or using drugs. Mention is made of caffeine consumption, such as coffee or soda, to fuel long rehearsal hours and late-night study sessions. The focus remains entirely on the social dynamics and the theatrical production rather than substance-related…

Major themes include the 'codependency' of deep friendships, the fear of losing a best friend to a romantic partner, the nuances of LGBTQ+ identity, and the pressure of performance art. The book heavily explores Kate's relationship with her brother Ryan, specifically his experiences navigating life after coming out. The central conflict involves the 'communal crush' and the inevitable jealousy that arises when a shared fantasy becomes a real-world romantic choice for one person. The pressure of the high school…