Safe for the age band

Age-appropriate with no significant concerns.

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Published
2005
Ages
12–16

About the book

About the book

The sequel to Uglies, where the protagonist, now a 'Pretty,' begins to remember her past and question her new life.

AI summary

The sequel to Uglies, where the protagonist, now a 'Pretty,' begins to remember her past and question her new life.

Why parents choose this book

What makes Pretties worth choosing

An honest, parent-first look at who this book suits, what it offers, and what to know before you buy.

Best for

  • Age range: 12–16 (fits siblings across a range).
  • Reading maturity: Young adultteen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
  • Kids who tend to love it: Science Fiction.
  • Personality fit: big-imagination kids who love new worlds.

Parents love this book because

  • Age-appropriate content for the 12–16 band with no significant flags.
  • Written by Scott Westerfeld, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.

Your child will probably enjoy Pretties if they…

  • Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 12–16

This book helps develop

Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 12–16 age band.

Things parents should know

  • Violence: clear on-page conflict without lingering detail.
  • Language: clean language throughout.
  • Sexual content: essentially none.

Reading commitment

Estimated reading time
Varies by reader
Length
Length varies by edition
Difficulty
Young adult
Works as read-aloud
Usually read independently
Good for independent readers
Yes — suits confident readers in the age band

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Why we recommend it

We think Pretties is a confident pick for the 12–16 age band. It leans into science fiction in a way that feels genuine, not formulaic. Scott Westerfeld's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.

Content ratings

Violence2/4
Romance0/4
Language1/4
Scary content0/4
Faith content0/4
Sexual content1/4

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