Perfect on Paper (2021) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains several scenes of kissing and moderate physical intimacy. There are detailed discussions about crushes, queer identity, and a scene involving characters in a bedroom, though it remains within YA boundaries (no explicit sex). Darcy describes physical sensations like racing hearts and the heat of a partner's skin during make-out sessions with Brougham. Characters discuss sexual orientation frequently, specifically Darcy's bisexuality and the misconceptions surrounding it. There are references to…

Violence is minimal. There is a scene involving a physical confrontation/altercation between Darcy and another student, and instances of emotional manipulation that border on verbal aggression. Most conflict is internal or social, involving the 'outing' of secrets or public embarrassment rather than physical harm. A minor shove or a slammed door occurs during moments of high emotional frustration between Darcy and her mother or her peers. The 'violence' is primarily psychological, stemming from the betrayal of…

Moderate teen profanity is used throughout. Expect frequent use of 'sh*t,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and occasional uses of 'f*ck,' reflecting realistic high school speech. Words like 'a**hole,' 'bitch,' and 'dick' appear in the context of peer-to-peer arguments or heated venting sessions. Darcy and her classmates use this language casually in their day-to-day interactions and text messages. While the profanity is frequent, it is never used in a hateful or derogatory way toward marginalized groups. The tone remains that of…

Very light. There are brief mentions of drinking at teen parties, but it is not a focus of the plot and is generally presented with social consequences or as background noise. Characters might be seen holding cups of beer or acting under the influence of alcohol at social gatherings, but the protagonist generally remains sober or observant. There are no scenes of drug use or detailed depictions of intoxication. The mention of substances serves to ground the high school setting in realism rather than to glamorize…

Major themes include bisexual visibility, the ethics of keeping secrets, toxic friendships, and the fear of social rejection during the coming-out process. Darcy’s locker-service business explores the morality of manipulation and whether the ends justify the means in helping others. The narrative highlights the toxicity of Brooke’s relationship with her boyfriend and how it impacts her friendship with Darcy. Biphobia is addressed directly, including the harmful idea that bisexual people are 'confused' or 'greedy.'…