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Not recommended
Content we'd steer families away from.
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- Ages
- 16–18
AI summary
Twelve-year-old Mars is a figure skater mourning the recent death of their father. While navigating seventh grade, Mars comes to terms with being non-binary and accepts a challenge to compete in figure skating against a boy to prove their skill, leading to a journey of self-discovery and identity.
Parent notes
The book's central theme is the promotion of non-binary gender ideology to a middle-school audience. Parent concerns: Promotes non-binary gender identity in children (Middle Grade audience); Focuses on gender ideology/social transitioning (skating "as a boy"); Protagonist uses they/them pronouns Romance/sexual content: No sexual content is mentioned, but the book focuses heavily on gender identity and non-binary self-discovery. Language: Based on the publisher's middle-grade target, significant profanity is unlikely, though not explicitly mentioned. Violence: No violence mentioned. Substances: No substance use mentioned. Worldview themes: Gender Identity/Non-binary Ideology, Grief and Loss
Why parents choose this book
What makes Skating on Mars 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: 16–18.
- Reading maturity: Young adult — teen protagonists and more nuanced themes.
- Kids who tend to love it: readers ages 16–18 looking for a solid story.
- Personality fit: kids ages 16–18 who enjoy a good story.
Parents love this book because
- Written by Caroline Huntoon, whose books parents return to for consistently thoughtful storytelling.
Your child will probably enjoy Skating on Mars if they…
- Enjoy stories written for kids around ages 16–18
This book helps develop
Vocabulary, sustained attention, and reading confidence for the 16–18 age band.
Things parents should know
No significant content concerns for this age band. Preview with your reader if you want to discuss any specific themes.
Reading commitment
Why we recommend it
We don't broadly recommend Skating on Mars for the 16–18 age band; see the notes above before choosing. Caroline Huntoon's voice is what makes it stick: readable, respectful of kids, and easy to hand to the next child in the family.
Content ratings
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