More Than We Can Tell (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

There is no explicit on-page sexual content, but the book centers heavily on the psychological impact of past sexual assault. One character, Rev, is a survivor of a predatory teacher, and the narrative explores the 'grooming' process and the legal/social fallout. Emma also faces an escalating situation with an online stalker that borders on digital harassment and predatory behavior. Romantic physical contact is limited to kissing, holding hands, and a heavy focus on the emotional intimacy of sharing secrets. The…

Moderate physical violence occurs, including scenes of a father physically assaulting his son and Rev being punched in the face early in the story. The threat of violence is a constant theme as characters navigate abusive home environments, specifically Rev's history of being physically abused by his biological father, which left both physical and emotional scars. There are descriptions of physical intimidation, shoving, and a tense confrontation with an aggressive adult that creates a high sense of peril. The…

Moderate profanity occurs throughout the book, including uses of 'shit,' 'bitch,' 'ass,' 'damn,' and 'hell.' There are no 'f-bombs' pervasive in the text, but the dialogue reflects the authentic, grounded reality of teenagers under high stress and emotional duress. Language is often used as a tool of aggression by antagonists or as a release for the protagonists' frustration. The frequency of these terms is consistent with other contemporary YA novels aimed at older teens. Parents should note that while not…

Substance use is minimal and depicted negatively, primarily serving as a marker for instability. There are references to characters drinking to cope with stress, and Rev's biological father's alcoholism is a central plot point that contributes to the volatile and dangerous home environment described in flashbacks. One scene briefly mentions the use of painkillers following an injury, but it is handled in a medical context rather than as recreational use. The narrative consistently portrays alcohol as a factor in…

The book explores extremely heavy themes including child abuse, the foster care system, online predatory behavior, and the legal repercussions of assault. It provides a deep dive into parental abandonment and the way past trauma shapes a person's identity and ability to trust others. The story emphasizes emotional resilience, the importance of support networks, and the difficult process of overcoming past trauma through therapy and friendship. It presents a realistic, often painful look at systemic failures in…