What If It's Us (2018) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

The book features several scenes of teenage romantic affection, including prolonged kissing and making out sessions between Arthur and Ben. There are frank discussions about 'gay chicken,' sexual identity, and physical attraction throughout their summer in New York. While the characters experience significant chemistry and spend time alone in private settings like bedrooms, no explicit sexual acts occur on the page. The narrative focuses heavily on the emotional milestones of a first real relationship, including…

Violence is nearly non-existent in this contemporary romance, adhering to the realistic expectations of a young adult dramedy. There are mentions of a past physical altercation involving Ben’s ex-boyfriend, Hudson, which serves as a point of emotional tension rather than active conflict. Characters experience the typical physical stresses of New York City, such as being heartlessly shoved in a crowded subway station or accidentally bumping into pedestrians. No graphic or intentional harm is depicted, and the most…

Moderate use of profanity occurs throughout the novel, reflecting realistic teenage dialogue in an urban setting. Readers will encounter several uses of 'sh*t,' 'ass,' 'hell,' and 'damn,' often used for emphasis during moments of excitement or frustration. Characters like Dylan frequently use informal slang and mild expletives to punctuate their humor. There are a few instances of more aggressive language like 'a**hole' during heated disagreements between the protagonists or their friend groups. However, the…

Substance use is very minimal and primarily limited to background details of New York nightlife or adult behavior. There is brief mention of characters being at venues like a bar for a show or a party where alcohol might be present in the vicinity. The teenage protagonists, Arthur and Ben, do not engage in drinking, smoking, or drug use themselves. References to alcohol are usually tied to parents or older secondary characters, such as adults having a drink at a social gathering. The narrative does not glamorize…

Core themes include the search for 'The One' and the whimsical impact of fate versus the actual effort required to maintain a relationship. The story explores the complexities of navigating divorce, particularly regarding Arthur’s parents and how their history affects his view of love. There is significant focus on the anxiety of trying to live up to cinematic romantic tropes while dealing with real-world complications like summer internships and short-term timelines. Other themes include the importance of…