Review

Love Is the Higher Law

Common Sense Media says

NYC teens react to 9/11 tragedy in beautiful story of hope.
Age
14
Quality
 
  • Educational value3
    Readers too young to remember the attack will get a good history lesson about what happened -- including what it felt like to be a New York teen at the time. Parents and teachers can use our "Families Can Talk About" section to get some additional discussion ideas.
  • Positive messages4
    Strong messages about the power of friendship and family; descriptions of how New Yorkers pulled together in the aftermath of 9/11 and showed compassion for one another. Ultimately the story is about hope and the better side of humanity.
  • Positive role models4
    Two of the three main characters immediately want to help; they go to donate blood and look for ways to deal with the emotional impact. The third character is slower to deal with the tragedy but ultimately allows it to have a positive effect on his life and his relationships with other people. As we remember but teen readers won't, New Yorkers themselves set exemplary examples on the day of the attack and afterwards.
  • Violence1
    Descriptions of watching the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center fall and burn.
  • Sex3
    A discussion about gay men having sex without condoms. The two main male characters go on a date and make out. 
  • Language3
     A few uses of "f--k" and "s--t."
  • Consumerism1
    Evocative use of songs, song lyrics, and descriptions of real concerts by groups like U2 that took place afterwards in NYC.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking1
    The two male characters drink beer together; one of them is hungover the morning of 9/11.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the main story is how three teens experience the terrorist attack on New York City, and the tremendous impact it had immediately on their lives. A budding gay romance between two of the characters is prominent, but secondary to the book's plot point about 9/11's aftermath and how New Yorkers pulled together. There is some strong language and drinking.

This review of Love Is the Higher Law was written by

Most useful reviews by all members

Kid, 11 years old
September 3, 2012
11
OK for kids & up
 
The Truth
This book really gives children and adults a good understanding about being alert and always caring about other peoples families because suppose someone's mom or dad was in 9/11 when it happened you should be grateful that, that wasn't you!! this book is really good thanks David Levithan
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