Stars Above (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The stories contain some flirtation and romantic tension, particularly in the story surrounding Thorne and the final epilogue. In 'Something Old, Something New,' there is a heavy focus on romance and wedding preparations, culminating in kisses and declarations of love, but all content remains PG to mild PG-13. Characters like Wolf and Scarlet share protective, affectionate touches that highlight their deep bond. Kai's perspective in 'The Mechanic' focuses on his internal reaction to Cinder's appearance and…

Moderate violence is present, specifically in 'The Queen's Army,' which depicts the brutal training of Lunar soldiers and mentions of genetic experimentation. 'Glitches' includes the unsettling process of Cinder's cybernetic limbs being attached and the grim realities of a global plague. Hand-to-hand combat and threats of execution are thematic staples throughout the prequels, such as the dangerous modifications applied to Wolf and his pack. Winter's self-harm is addressed as a consequence of her refusal to use…

Language is infrequent and mild, consistent with the main series. Occasional uses of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'moron' appear, but there is no graphic or egregious profanity. 'Crap' and 'idiot' are used by school-age characters like Thorne during his youth. In 'The Princess and the Guard,' some characters use verbal insults to belittle those without Lunar gifts or those with physical disabilities. The tone remains respectful of its young adult audience, avoiding modern expletives in favor of in-universe terminology or…

Substance use is virtually non-existent, though there are brief mentions of medical sedatives during surgical procedures and a celebration with drinks in the final epilogue story. In 'Glitches,' Cinder is given anesthetic for her invasive cybernetic repairs. During the wedding celebrations in 'Something Old, Something New,' adults are seen holding glasses of wine or bubbly drinks, though no characters are depicted as intoxicated or impaired. There is no usage of illegal drugs or underage drinking throughout the…

Major themes include identity, sacrifice, and the ethics of genetic/cybernetic modification. Several stories focus on childhood trauma, such as Cress being isolated on a satellite or Cinder dealing with the loss of a step-parent and her own body autonomy. In 'The Keeper,' the burden of keeping world-changing secrets is placed on the shoulders of an elderly woman and a young child. The loss of family is a recurring motif, particularly through the lens of the Letumosis plague and the political purges on Luna. The…