Sunkissed

Sunkissed

Book • 2022

by Kasie West

A lighthearted and swoony contemporary YA romance by fan-favorite author Kasie West about a girl who finds that a summer spent at a family resort isn't as bad as she imagined . . . and that falling in love is filled with heartache, laughter, and surprises!

Avery has always used music as an escape. But after her best friend betrays her, even her perfectly curated playlists can't help her forget what happened. To make matters worse, her parents have dragged her and her social-media-obsessed sister to a remote family camp for two months of "fun." Just when Avery is ready to give up on the summer altogether, she meets Brooks--mysterious, frustratingly charming Brooks--who just happens to be on staff--which means he's off-limits.

What starts as a disaster turns into. . . something else. As the outside world falls away, Avery embarks on a journey of self-discovery. And when Brooks offers her the chance of a lifetime, she must figure out how far is she willing to go to find out what she wants and who she wants to be.

Fan favorite Kasie West is back with another unforgettable summer romance that reminds us falling in love is full of wonder, heartache, and--most of all--surprises.
Young Adult Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age
Young Adult Fiction / Social Themes / New Experience
320 pages
12+

Suggested Age

Every child is different — this is guidance, not a rule.

This story delves into themes of betrayal, first love, and self-discovery, which are best understood by early adolescents. The emotional complexities and romantic elements align with the developmental stage of middle schoolers.

Content Safety Breakdown

Detailed breakdown of potentially concerning content

Sex & Nudity

2/5

This is a contemporary YA romance, so expect kissing and romantic tension as the main characters develop feelings for each other. There may be some suggestive dialogue and clothing typical of a summer romance setting.

Violence & Gore

0/5

the available information focuses on a lighthearted romance and personal growth, with no mention of any violence or physical harm.

Profanity

1/5

As a YA novel, profanity is likely to be very mild, with occasional use of words like 'd*mn' or 'h*ll' in casual conversation or moments of frustration.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

1/5

There might be brief background mentions of social drinking or smoking, common in teen settings, but it's unlikely to be a significant focus.

Frightening Scenes

1/5

The story centers on a summer romance and self-discovery, so intense scenes are likely limited to emotional moments of heartache or mild suspense related to the romantic plot.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This is a story about a girl who thinks her summer will be boring, but she meets someone special at a family camp. She learns a lot about herself and what she wants, even when things get complicated with new friendships and a forbidden romance.

Content Warnings

Betrayal

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

Features themes of betrayal and navigating romantic interests with an age-appropriate boundary (staff member is off-limits). Focuses on emotional growth and decision-making.

What Kids Can Learn

Encourages empathy, understanding that relationships can be complex, and the value of self-reflection during challenging times. Promotes courage in pursuing personal goals.

Key Topics Discussed

Summer romance
Teen friendships
Self-discovery

Why Parents Might Like It

Offers a familiar and comforting YA romance narrative with themes of empowerment and character development.

Positives & Learning

What makes this content valuable for children

Positive Messages

4/5

Emphasizes resilience after betrayal and the importance of embracing unexpected opportunities for personal growth. Highlights that summer experiences can lead to significant self-awareness and the courage to pursue one's desires.

Positive Role Models

3/5

Avery demonstrates growth through facing difficult emotions and making choices about her future. Brooks offers a supportive, albeit initially off-limits, presence that encourages Avery's self-discovery.

Diverse Representations

1/5

No specific indications of diverse representations beyond a typical YA romance framework.

Educational Value

2/5

Offers insights into navigating social dynamics, dealing with difficult emotions like betrayal, and understanding the process of personal growth and self-definition.

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