Catch

Book (2025)

by Sarah Brill

A unique and irresistible YA coming-of-age story about sixteen-year-old Beth, who discovers she has a life-saving gift. A superb novel about finding out what it takes to be an unlikely hero.

NOTABLE BOOK: 2026 CBCA Book of the Year, Older Readers
LONGLISTED: 2026 INDIE BOOK AWARDS, YOUNG ADULT AWARD

Sometimes people fall. It happens. Sometimes people are pushed. Sometimes people jump. And sometimes there's someone there to catch them.

The summer Beth turns sixteen, she grows. She grows so fast her bones hurt and she feels like throwing up. Everyone - including Etienne, the boy who lives over the road - looks at her differently. Then she starts catching people. People who are falling out of trees or from tall buildings.

Soon Beth discovers that helping strangers sometimes hurts. Sometimes it also hurts or annoys the people she loves. It isn't great for her school grades, either. Is there a way to balance family and friendship and basketball and romance and ... catching?

An extraordinary story about finding out who you are, and discovering who you want to be.

'Catch is a graceful exploration of what it means to hold others up while trying to find your own balance, and learning to trust yourself, even when the ground is shifting beneath your feet.' --Karys McEwen, Books+Publishing
Young Adult Fiction / Coming of Age
304 pages
Jump to family guidance

Family guidance

Ages 12+

The story centers on teenage physical and emotional maturation, including realistic social pressures and the challenges of balancing personal growth with altruistic burdens. It is suitable for middle-schoolers and older who are navigating similar themes of identity and self-discovery.

Every child is different. Use this guide alongside what you know about yours.

What to know before you start

Content details to help you decide what fits your child.

Sex & Nudity

1/5

The film explores typical teenage crushes and developing romance, likely involving brief, age-appropriate scenes of kissing or romantic tension. There is no sexual content or nudity expected in this coming-of-age narrative.

Violence & Gore

2/5

The story involves physical peril as characters fall from heights, resulting in some tension and potential non-graphic injury as the protagonist attempts to catch them. These sequences are focused on the heroic effort rather than intentional harm or blood.

Profanity

1/5

The dialogue is expected to reflect typical teen banter, which may include occasional mild language such as "cr*p" or "h*ll" used in moments of frustration. Such instances are infrequent and situational rather than pervasive.

Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking

0/5

There is no indication of substance use, alcohol, or smoking within the premise of the story, which focuses primarily on the protagonist's personal growth and gift.

Frightening Scenes

2/5

There is moderate suspense created by the dangerous situations involving characters falling from high places. While tense, these scenes are intended to build character stakes rather than to terrify or disturb the audience.

Key Insights

Quick summary and important considerations

This story is about a girl learning that helping people is a good thing, but you have to make sure you take care of yourself, too.

Detailed Analysis

In-depth insights for parents and educators

What Parents Need to Know

Themes focus on the intense physical and social changes of adolescence. No sexual, violent, or drug-related content indicated in available information.

What Kids Can Learn

Developing the ability to balance personal passions with the needs of friends and family.

Key Topics Discussed

Coming of age
Emotional maturity
Setting boundaries
Friendship

Why Parents Might Like It

It offers a grounded look at the common teen experience of feeling overwhelmed by new expectations while trying to maintain one's own identity.

Positives & learning

Positive messages

5/5

Emphasizes the importance of emotional boundaries and self-care while helping others. Encourages teens to value their own well-being alongside community responsibilities.

Role models

4/5

Beth models resilience and self-reflection as she navigates the transition into young adulthood. She demonstrates character by evaluating the impact of her choices on both herself and those closest to her.

Representation

1/5

No diverse representations indicated in available information.

Learning

3/5

Promotes social-emotional learning by highlighting the necessity of empathy combined with personal integrity and healthy communication.

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