Solitaire (2023) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is a subplot and remains chaste throughout Tori Spring's narrative. There are brief references to past relationships and some awkward kissing between Tori and Michael Holden, but no graphic depictions or sexual encounters are described. Character interactions often focus on emotional vulnerability rather than physical desire, such as when Tori and Lucas share a tense moment. The book maintains a focus on platonic and romantic bonds as sources of stability rather than exploring sexual themes. Some mentions…

Violence in the story involves escalating school pranks orchestrated by the group known as 'Solitaire,' which transition from property damage to dangerous stunts. These events include massive flooding, the theft of school property, and eventually arson, which puts student lives at risk. During the climax, there are physical altercations involving hitting, shoving, and a character being struck, resulting in bruises and minor injuries. The tension is psychological, but the physical danger becomes tangible as the…

The book contains frequent teenage profanity that reflects a realistic contemporary British school setting. Readers will encounter terms like 'shit,' 'piss,' 'bitch,' 'bastard,' and 'bloody' used casually in dialogue between students. The f-word is used occasionally during moments of high emotional stress or anger but is not pervasive throughout every chapter. Slurs are absent, and the language is generally used to emphasize frustration rather than to be gratuitously offensive. The linguistic tone is consistent…

Alcohol is present at various house parties where teenagers are shown drinking beer, cider, or spirits in an unsupervised environment. One secondary character, Becky, is noted for her excessive drinking and frequently being visibly intoxicated, which is framed as a negative and concerning behavior by the protagonist. Tori herself largely avoids substance use, often acting as a detached observer of the party scene. There are no depictions of illegal drug use, and the consumption of alcohol is primarily used to…

The narrative focuses heavily on clinical depression, cynicism, loneliness, and the crushing pressure of academic and social success at Higgs and Truham. Significant plot points involve Tori’s numbness, self-harm (cutting), and a character's high-stakes attempted suicide by jumping from the school roof. These issues are handled with a focus on the reality of mental illness, emphasizing the necessity of professional help and family support. The story also explores the dangers of internet anonymity and the toxic…