Content Considerations
Content considerations are additional information about the content of the book that some parents may want to be aware of. Sometimes this may mean a book isn't appropriate for some families or for some children. Some parents may want to preview some of these books or discuss them with their children. The book page will include the details of the content considerations that we have noted.
Content considerations are not necessarily indicative of something negative in the book and are not meant to be a reason to avoid a book. Our intention is to provide as much information as possible so that parents can make the best decision about whether a particular book is a good choice for their family or for a particular person or not. Some families may be more sensitive to particular content based on their unique family and some families may be actively looking for specific content that they can have meaningful conversations about.
As much as possible we include actual quotes from the book and illustrations from the book so that you have the exact context of the content.
Disclaimers
We have not read every book that is included on the site, so absence of content considerations does not mean there is nothing to be aware of.
While we have not read every book, some have been been glanced through or skimmed and if something of note jumped out during this process, we added the content consideration. This does not mean that we captured everything worth noting in the book.
Under the cover of the book, after other book details, you will see a section titled "Current state". This will tell you if the book has been read by us and if the content considerations have been added.
If the current state indicates that content considerations have been added this means that we did our best to capture the content considerations. However, there is always the possibility that we missed something so this is not a 100% guarantee.
Content Consideration Categories
Our content considerations fall under these high level categories. These categories with their associated icons are visible on the book page. You'll want to click on the category label on the book page to view the details for that particular book.
Positive Themes and Messages
This category is usually a short paragraph that describes the positive themes and messages in the book. It includes things like redemption, friendship, courage, coming of age, work ethic, and restored relationships.
Conduct of Life and Risk-taking Behaviors
This category includes things like drinking alcohol, drunkenness, smoking, drug use, unsupervised children, and table manners.
Discrimination, Prejudice, and Racism
This category includes things like slavery, segregation, and stereotypes.
Language
This category includes things like outdated terms, ethnic slurs, swearing, and strong or hurtful language.
Mental and Emotional Challenges and Experiences
This category includes things like threats, bullying, abuse, name calling, teasing, grief, abandonment, death of a loved one, intimidation, and divorce.
Spirituality and Belief Systems
This category includes belief systems that may be present that we think some parents may want to be aware of.
Sexuality, Romance and Nudity
This category includes things like romance and romantic feelings, flirtation, kissing outside of family and marriage, adultery, polygamy, incestuous marriage, and nudity in illustrations.
Violence and Weapons
This category includes things like war, guns, hunting, animal violence, and described or depicted violence.
Where to Find Content Consideration on Book Pages
If a book has content considerations you'll see the Content Considerations section under the Content Guide on the book page.
Only the Content Consideration Categories will be visible. You'll want to click on each one to see a popup of the actual content consideration that we've provided. We often provide quotes directly from the book so you have the context.
