The Fault in Our Stars (2012) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Now a Major Motion Picture TODAY Book Club pick TIME magazine’s #1 Fiction Book of 2012 "The greatest romance story of this decade." —Entertainment Weekly -Millions of copies sold- #1 New York Times Bestseller #1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller #1 USA Today Bestseller #1 International Bestseller #1 Indie Bestseller Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters… Sign up for the full guide
Young Adult • 2012 • 313 pages • Lexile 850L (roughly grades 4–5 reading difficulty)
The Fault in Our Stars is a beloved, often funny, ultimately heartbreaking romance between two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. It handles terminal illness with unflinching honesty, depicting physical decline, pain, and the death of a central character. Mature content includes recurring strong profanity and one tender, mostly-implied sex scene between the teen leads. It is a moving read for mid-to-older teens, with the… Sign up for the full guide
Is The Fault in Our Stars appropriate for kids?
The Fault in Our Stars is a beloved, often funny, ultimately heartbreaking romance between two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. It handles terminal illness with unflinching honesty, depicting physical decline, pain, and the death of a central character. Mature… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Fault in Our Stars
What happens in The Fault in Our Stars, moment by moment
- p. 3 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- p. 10 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- p. 20 🍷 Substances 2/10
Sex and nudity in The Fault in Our Stars
Moderate content includes Hazel and Augustus sharing several intimate moments that culminate in a single sexual encounter during their trip to Amsterdam. The scene in Chapter 20 emphasizes emotional connection and vulnerability over graphic mechanics, with the narrative cutting away before explicit details are shared. Leading up to this, the two share kisses and sleep in the same bed, though the tone remains romantic and thoughtful. There are occasional jokes about virginity and physical attraction, but no other…
Read more — free accountViolence and gore in The Fault in Our Stars
There is no physical violence, combat, or interpersonal aggression depicted throughout the story. The narrative focuses instead on the biological realities of terminal illness, including hospitalizations, medical emergencies, and the loss of bodily functions. Readers see Isaac lose his remaining eye to surgery and witness Augustus suffer from a collapsed lung and the physical toll of chemotherapy. Any physical distress described is strictly related to the characters' medical conditions and the harsh treatments…
Read more — free accountLanguage in The Fault in Our Stars
Moderate usage of profanity is woven throughout the characters' sharp, intelligent banter, appearing regularly to reflect the frustration of their situation. The f-word is used several times, alongside 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'pissed,' often to punctuate moments of emotional intensity or existential anger. Augustus and Isaac use strong language when venting about Isaac's breakup and his impending blindness in early chapters. Peter Van Houten also uses aggressive, abrasive language when the teens visit him in the…
Read more — free accountDrugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Fault in Our Stars
Mild substance use is centered on a recurring metaphor and a special occasion. Augustus Waters frequently keeps an unlit cigarette between his teeth, which he explains as a metaphor for not giving a 'killing thing' the power to do its work. While in Amsterdam, Hazel and Augustus are served expensive champagne during a multi-course dinner at Oranjee, where the waiter famously describes the drink as 'tasting the stars.' Beyond this celebratory toast, there is no drug abuse or underage partying depicted. The book's…
Read more — free accountMature themes in The Fault in Our Stars
Strong. Terminal illness, mortality, grief, and the search for meaning are the heart of the book. Augustus's decline and death are depicted honestly and are deeply sad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Fault in Our Stars appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Fault in Our Stars is best for ages 13+. The Fault in Our Stars is a beloved, often funny, ultimately heartbreaking romance between two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. It handles terminal illness with unflinching honesty, depicting physical…
What age rating does The Fault in Our Stars have?
Books don't carry official age ratings. The Fault in Our Stars is published for a Young Adult audience, and Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What reading level is The Fault in Our Stars?
The Fault in Our Stars is 313 pages and its reading level is Lexile 850L (roughly grades 4–5 reading difficulty). Bontent recommends it for ages 13+.
What is The Fault in Our Stars about?
The Fault in Our Stars is a beloved, often funny, ultimately heartbreaking romance between two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group. It handles terminal illness with unflinching honesty, depicting physical decline, pain, and the death of a central character. Mature content includes recurring strong profanity…
Is there sex or nudity in The Fault in Our Stars?
Moderate content includes Hazel and Augustus sharing several intimate moments that culminate in a single sexual encounter during their trip to Amsterdam. The scene in Chapter 20 emphasizes emotional connection and vulnerability over graphic mechanics, with…
How violent is The Fault in Our Stars?
There is no physical violence, combat, or interpersonal aggression depicted throughout the story. The narrative focuses instead on the biological realities of terminal illness, including hospitalizations, medical emergencies, and the loss of bodily functions…
Is the language in The Fault in Our Stars appropriate for kids?
Moderate usage of profanity is woven throughout the characters' sharp, intelligent banter, appearing regularly to reflect the frustration of their situation. The f-word is used several times, alongside 'shit,' 'ass,' and 'pissed,' often to punctuate moments…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking depicted in The Fault in Our Stars?
Mild substance use is centered on a recurring metaphor and a special occasion. Augustus Waters frequently keeps an unlit cigarette between his teeth, which he explains as a metaphor for not giving a 'killing thing' the power to do its work. While in…
What mature themes appear in The Fault in Our Stars?
Strong. Terminal illness, mortality, grief, and the search for meaning are the heart of the book. Augustus's decline and death are depicted honestly and are deeply sad.
Where can I read the full The Fault in Our Stars parent guide?
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