Two boys fall for each other in cute queer teen romance.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Products & Purchases
some
Brands mentioned include: Harry Potter, the musical Dear Evan Hansen, Toy Story, Netflix, Craigslist, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Tumblr, Facebook, Facetime, Skittles, Swedish Fish, Coke, Frogger, Google, J. Crew.
Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
Kissing and make out scenes between Arthur and Ben, with buildups to sex without the graphic details. There are many references to sex (i.e., bumping butts "as a sexual activity"), although there's not actual play-by-by sex.
Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.
Both Arthur’s and Ben’s parents are supportive of their sons and encourage their relationship. Arthur's dad tries to give dating advice ("This is your first date, and I want to hear all about it"), and Ben's mom listens to her son when he opens up about this feelings.
Educational Value
a lot
Teens will learn a great deal about what it's like to live in New York City, go to summer school, struggle with ADHD, come out to your friends, and break up and start over.
Positive Messages
a lot
Strong messages about the importance of being vulnerable and true to yourself. This is a story about the honesty between teens in a romantic relationship and the power of first love. There's also a lot about the importance of LGBTQ teens having supportive families.
Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that What If It's Us, the first novel co-written by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera, is a sweet contemporary romance told from the alternating points of view of two teen boys. Arthur (written by Albertalli) is Jewish and only in New York City for the summer; he struggles with ADHD. Ben (written by Silvera) grew up in New York City with his Puerto Rican family and is getting over a recent breakup. There's some strong language (including f--k" and its variations, "s--t," and "d--k"), as well as references to teens dating and having sex. Parents should be prepared to have conversations about coming out, staying friends with someone you've broken up with, and having sex for your first time.
WHAT IF IT'S US tells the story of two teen boys who meet each other at a post office in New York City before a flash mob separates them. The novel alternates points of view between Arthur, who's in New York City as an intern at his mom's law firm, and Ben, who's recovering from a recent breakup. Arthur's family has money, and he wants to go to Yale, although he struggles with ADHD. Ben is Puerto Rican, definitely not well-off, but more sexually experienced. The story begins with Arthur trying to find Ben, the cute boy he met briefly, and follows what happens after they finally connect.
This cute, feel-good story about acceptance and love does a good job of highlighting real issues. It address what it's like to come out to your friends and date someone whose family might have more or less money than you. The romance is very sweet, with many fun pop culture references, yet the storyline remains light, like an adorable Hollywood romcom.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how sex and losing your virginity are dealt with in What If It's Us. What do you think of how Ben and Arthur's sexual relationship is presented? Does it seem realistic?
What do you think of how What If It's Us depicts diversity? How do Ben and Arthur differ from the standard teen protagonists you often find in young adult novels? Why is it important to read both about people who are like and also those who are unlike you?
Are the friendships in What If It's Us believable? Which ones seem the most true-to-life?
Available on:
Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), iBooks, Kindle
Last updated:
June 19, 2019
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.
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.
By Rachel Sarah
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
