Paper girls, Vol. 1 (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

This volume contains no explicit sexual content or nudity. There are minimal references to puberty, such as Erin mentioning her first period during a stressful encounter with a strange device. A brief dream sequence featuring an older male figure in a space suit is more surreal than sexual, though it touches on burgeoning maturity. There are no romantic subplots or sexualized depictions of the twelve-year-old protagonists. The focus remains entirely on their survival and the mystery of the invasion.

Violence is frequent and can be graphic throughout the first five chapters. Characters are chased by monstrous creatures and strange humans; some individuals are shot with futuristic weapons or traditional firearms, resulting in visible blood and flesh wounds. Mac is frequently seen wielding a handgun for protection, which she eventually uses during a confrontation. The girls are also physically harassed and bullied by older teenagers in masks, resulting in a physical altercation. The imagery includes dead animals…

Strong language is consistent with the 1980s setting and the gritty tone of the narrative. The F-word is used once, along with several instances of 'shit,' 'ass,' 'hell,' and 'bitch.' Notably, a homophobic slur is used by Mac in Chapter 1 to establish the harsh social environment and her defensive, aggressive personality. Other insults like 'pussies' and 'retarded' appear in the dialogue between the girls and their antagonists. The dialogue reflects the way children in the 80s might have spoken during a crisis.

Very light usage is present and restricted to a single character's habits. Mac is seen smoking a cigarette multiple times, which is portrayed as a sign of her rebellious personality and difficult home life rather than being glamorized. No alcohol or recreational drug use occurs among the protagonists or the primary supporting cast. The focus is on the sci-fi elements rather than substance abuse. The smoking is used as a character beat to show Mac's desire to appear more grown-up than she is.

Major themes include the loss of innocence, the fear of the future, class differences, and the power of friendship under pressure. The girls are forced to grapple with existential threats and the reality that they may grow up to be people they do not recognize or like. The concept of 'Hell Morning' introduces ideas of cosmic horror and the fragility of reality. There is a strong undercurrent of generational conflict as the girls are caught between two warring factions from different time periods. Parental…