Ratings

Content Ratings based on a 0-5 scale where
0 = no objectionable content and
5 = an excessive or disturbing level of content

Guide to Rating System

LANGUAGE

VIOLENCE

SEXUAL CONTENT

ADULT THEMES

Ratings Explanation

Violence:  The two “Bapi’s” (grandfathers) scuffle when Lena says, “Kostos is not a nice boy.”  Carman throws a rock through the window of Lydia’s home.

Sexual  Content:  Breast sizes are briefly discussed.  Bridget expertly flirts with Eric, her soccer coach.  She dances with him, touches him, etc.  Bridget thinks about having sex with Eric.  She comes to his room one night and he follows her outside.  Implied sex occurs.  Bridget struggles to deal with the emotions of having sex with Eric.  Kostos sees Lena skinny dipping.  On another occasion, the chance encounter is reversed and Lena sees Kostos naked at the same pond.   Rock art of huge penises mentioned.

Language: The Lord’s name is taken in vain on several occasions.  “Ass/asshole” and “s***” are each used a couple of times.

Adult Content: The story addresses death (Bridget’s mom and Bailey), divorce (Carmen’s parents), and sex (between Bridget and Eric).  The girls break into Gilda’s (the gym where their moms met) by picking the lock.  Drinking wine mentioned.  Bridget flirts with Eric, leads him on and then struggles to cope with the emotional confusion and let-down of having had sex with Eric.

Synopsis

This is the first summer when four best friends will separate and be apart for the first time.  The girls, age 15, all friends from birth, acquire and then share a unique pair of jeans that fit them all perfectly, even though they are different shapes and sizes.  They agree to each take a turn with the pants throughout the summer.   The pants represent their bond of friendship, love, support and courage while they are apart.  The book follows each girl through the summer as they  grow and develop as individuals, while still maintaining the friendship that makes them whole.

Lena spends the summer visiting her grandparents in Greece.  She conquers her fears and self- doubts in time to respond to a kind Greek boy, Kostos.  Bridget, a great athlete, attends a soccer camp in Baja, Mexico.   Recklessly, she toys with sex and love with one of her coaches, Eric.  Carmen plans on being alone in South Carolina with her father, but is surprised to find he has a new step-family to introduce her to.  Tibby stays home and works a dull job at a drug store.  While there, she meets a new friend—a 12-year-old girl who is dying of leukemia.

This is the first book in a popular young adult series following four girls through high school, college and beyond.   While not my favorite book, it was entertaining.  I can relate to, and remember fondly, my wonderful and long-lasting friendships from childhood.
The language of the book is written easy enough for early teens, but the content and characters are more appropriate for mid or older teens. I guess I am unsure of the author’s target audience. I wouldn’t recommend it for young teens.