This book contains sexual activities; sexual nudity; alcohol and drug use; profanity; suicide; and controversial religious commentary.
Parents need to know that Ellen Hopkins’ Rumble is a novel in free verse that tacklesa wide-range of issues, including bullying, cyberbullying, suicide, and book censorship. Protagonist Matt is angry after his brother commits suicide — and he finds his brother’s body. The novel includes some frank sex talk and graphic sex scenes, including oral sex. Matt also discusses that he was the product of unprotected sex, truthfully tells his mother that he and his girlfriend are not having sex, and remembers a time when a drunk boy tried to kiss his brother, who’s gay. There’s teen drinking (as well as adult drinking and smoking), and a lot of swear words, including “s–t” and “f–k,” and some derogatory words for gay people. Also, Matt has a gun, fantasizes about violence — and later becomes a victim when a disturbed veteran creates an explosion that leaves Matt wounded. Matt has a lot of anger, but he’s tolerant of many people’s differences and eventually learns to “have faith in love.” This is a thick book, but it’s written in verse, making it a good choice for reluctant readers.