Parents' Guide to

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Book Carrie Ryan Coming of Age 2009
The Forest of Hands and Teeth Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

By Debra Bogart , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Cool heroine makes this for more than zombie horror fans.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

See all
age 15+

Based on 1 parent review

readresponsibly
readresponsibly Parent of 2 and 3-year-old
June 4, 2010
age 15+

violence, not a protagonist to admire, but entertaining

There is violence, esp as involves the killing of the zombies (dubbed the Unconsecrated). These are zombies that infect, however. They don't eat flesh. Which I think makes them more tasteful to read. I wouldn't go so far as to say Mary is a bad role model, but I definitely didn't think she was a positive one, either. She is more obsessed with her life-long dream of "finding the ocean" and doesn't seem to really care about her friends. It's a fun, interesting read, however. (Somewhat of a cliff-hanger at the end which is not resolved in its companion novel.)
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Teenaged Mary has lost both parents to the Unconsecrated zombies that live outside her village. The boy she loves is courting someone else. Her brother wants her to join the Sisterhood and puts her in the convent. The Sisters are zealots that rule through fear and control with ritual weddings while the male Guardians keep everyone safe -- or at least alive. But then the Unconsecrated break down the fence and it's anarchy. What's a girl to do? Mary leads her brother, her betrothed, and her true love through the zombie-filled forest of hands and teeth, severing heads as she goes, and finding more secrets as she gets closer and closer to the truth.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (20 ):

Very well crafted with compelling narratives, this is a complex novel that reveals its secrets slowly. The post-apocalyptic setting among the undead will resonate with teens who find escape in dystopic tales. Mary is a teen surrounded by despair who never gives up hope, and dreams of a better world even when everyone around her gives up. Readers who don't mind some gore will find it hard to put down. Even the romance has twists and turns without easy answers. Ryan creates some unforgettable characters and world-blending here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the religion that governs life in Mary's village. How does the Sisterhood enforce its rules? Through love or fear?

  • Are the marriages arranged by the Sisterhood? Or do the young people truly have the freedom to choose their spouse?

  • When Mary finds herself inside the Sisterhood, secrets begin to reveal themselves. Is it easier to keep secrets in a small village, or a large country?

  • What drives Mary to pursue the truth? Her mother's stories? Or her belief in true love?

Book Details

  • Author: Carrie Ryan
  • Genre: Coming of Age
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Delacorte Press
  • Publication date: March 10, 2009
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 14 - 17
  • Number of pages: 310
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

See all recommended book lists

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate