Romeo and Juliet Together (and Alive!) at Last (1987) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The content is limited to mild middle-school crushes and the anticipation of a stage kiss. There is no sexual content other than the characters' nervous preoccupation with the romantic themes of Shakespeare's play. Pete Saltz is frequently overwhelmed by his feelings for Anni Srowlow, often turning red or becoming speechless. Much of the tension revolves around Chapter 7 when the group discusses whether Pete and Anni will actually have to kiss on stage. The 'big kiss' in Chapter 15 is the climax of the romantic…

Physical violence is nearly absent, consisting only of minor slapstick during the play's rehearsals and performance. Characters occasionally engage in mild shoving or accidentally trip during the chaotic stage production. In Chapter 14, the famous duel between Tybalt and Mercutio is adapted into a ridiculous, fumbling mess where no one is actually hurt. Props such as plastic swords are used, but they are handled with zero realism or malice. Ed Sitrow and his classmates experience more psychological 'violence' in…

Language is very mild and consists entirely of age-appropriate middle-school insults like 'jerk' or 'stupid.' There are no profanities or significant vulgarities. Characters like Ed and Saltz use slightly heightened vocabulary while discussing the play, but their insults remain focused on competence or awkwardness. Typical 8th-grade banter includes words like 'idiot,' 'dummy,' or 'weirdo,' which are used within the context of established friendships. There are no instances of strong expletives, racial slurs, or…

There is no use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco by any of the characters. The only 'substances' mentioned are related to school lunches or stage props. Chapter 11 features incidental mentions of soda and school cafeteria meals, which are presented as mundane parts of the school day. Characters do not seek out or experiment with any illicit materials. Even adult characters, like the teachers supervising the play, are never shown consuming alcohol. The focus remains entirely on the adolescent social scene and the…

Major themes include friendship, the vulnerability of young romance, and the comedic pressure of social expectations in a school setting. The book emphasizes loyalty among friends who want to see their peers happy. Ed Sitrow acts as a well-meaning but somewhat manipulative 'director' of his friends' lives, orchestrating the play specifically to help Pete overcome his shyness. There is a strong focus on the embarrassment of public performance and the fear of social rejection among thirteen-year-olds. The story…