Symptoms of Being Human (2016) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book contains a high-intensity scene involving an attempted sexual assault in a parking lot when attackers try to forcibly strip the protagonist. There is some light mentions of gender dysphoria in relation to physical anatomy, specifically how Riley feels about their chest and biological traits on 'male' or 'female' days. Riley navigates growing romantic feelings for Solo, which leads to a few moments of physical proximity and hand-holding. However, there is no explicit sexual content or on-page intercourse…

Violence is primarily centered on bullying and social aggression common in high school environments. Riley is physically harassed at school, and the climax of the book involves a group of boys cornering and physically attacking Riley in a brutal encounter. There are also descriptions of self-harm ideation and the physical toll of anxiety attacks, which Riley describes as feeling like a heart attack. The physical assault is described with significant detail, emphasizing Riley's terror and the physical pain of being…

Moderate use of profanity including 'shit,' 'asshole,' 'pissed,' and 'hell' throughout the dialogue. There are also instances of targeted slurs used by bullies, though these are presented as hurtful and negative actions by antagonists to highlight the harm of transphobia. The word 'bitch' and 'faggot' are used by characters in aggressive or derogatory ways. While the language is frequent, it serves to ground the story in a realistic high school setting. Riley also uses some mild language when describing their…

Substance use is minimal and largely off-page, reflecting a focus on Riley's internal mental state rather than recreational drug use. There are brief mentions of adults drinking alcohol at political functions, such as wine and cocktails served to donors. Some minor references to teen experimentation appear in the background of school life, but it is not a central theme or a behavior Riley engages in. Medication for anxiety is mentioned, framed as a tool for managing mental health rather than misuse. The overall…

Heavy focus on gender identity, gender dysphoria, and the pressure of public life as the child of a Congressman. Other major themes include anxiety disorders, the ethics of internet anonymity, and the psychological impact of cyberbullying and outing. The narrative explores the complex family dynamics between Riley and their parents, who struggle to understand Riley's identity while maintaining a political image. The book also touches on suicidal ideation and the intense fear that accompanies living as a…