Swing (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

Romance is a central theme but remains chaste throughout the verse novel. There are mentions of crushes, unrequited love, and mild flirtation between Noah and Sam, but no explicit content or on-page sexual activity is depicted. Noah expresses his feelings through letters and art, focusing on the emotional weight of a first love rather than physical desire. Other characters like Walt discuss girls in terms of popularity and 'coolness' but maintain a respectful, if awkward, teenage perspective. The interactions are…

The majority of the book is non-violent and focuses on high school athletics and artistic pursuits; however, the climax features a traumatic event where a character is shot by police. This scene is emotionally heavy and marks a sharp shift in tone from the rest of the narrative, involving confusion and blood. There is mention of a 'Divisive' flag being hung which causes social friction and tension within the community. Earlier scenes include mild physical play and the intensity of baseball competition, but no…

The language is moderate for a young adult novel and reflective of how modern teenagers communicate. It includes occasional use of 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'crap,' but avoids high-level profanity or racial slurs despite the heavy themes. Some characters use mildly derogatory terms like 'loser' or 'suck' when discussing baseball performance or social status. The use of 'shut up' and other common teenage exclamations appears in dialogue between Noah and Walt. Overall, the word choice remains accessible for middle grade…

There is no significant focus on drugs or alcohol throughout the story, as the narrative centers on sports and creative hobbies. Characters may mention social settings where substances exist, such as parties or adult gatherings, but the protagonists do not partake. Noah and Walt are more concerned with finding vintage jazz records and improving their baseball skills than seeking out substances. Noah's home life is stable, and the adults in the book are generally portrayed in domestic settings without substance…

Major themes include racial profiling, the impact of art and music, social anxiety, and the fragility of life. The book addresses the reality of being a Black teenager in modern America, specifically how public perception can lead to fatal misunderstandings. Noah’s passion for art and Walt’s love for jazz serve as coping mechanisms for their feelings of invisibility in high school. The plot explores the pain of unrequited love and the courage required to be authentic in a world that often demands conformity. The…