Pretenders
Book (2013)
by Lisi Harrison
The five most popular students at Noble High have secrets to hide; secrets they wrote down in their journals. Now one of their own exposes the private entries...
I am leaking these because I'm tired and I know you are too. The success bar is too high and pretending has become the only way to reach it. Instagrams are filtered, Facebook profiles are embellished, photos are shopped, reality TV is scripted, body parts get upgraded like software, and even professional athletes are cheating. The things we believe in aren't real.
We are pretenders.
Pretenders
Book (2013)
by Lisi Harrison
The five most popular students at Noble High have secrets to hide; secrets they wrote down in their journals. Now one of their own exposes the private entries...
I am leaking these because I'm tired and I know you are too. The success bar is too high and pretending has become the only way to reach it. Instagrams are filtered, Facebook profiles are embellished, photos are shopped, reality TV is scripted, body parts get upgraded like software, and even professional athletes are cheating. The things we believe in aren't real.
We are pretenders.
What to know before you start
Content details to help you decide what fits your child.
Sex & Nudity
The film explores teen dating dynamics with frequent sexual references and depictions of romantic relationships. There are scenes involving suggestive dialogue and intimate interactions typical of a high school drama.
Violence & Gore
There is no significant physical violence or gore, with conflict remaining primarily verbal and social in nature. Occasional scuffles or intense confrontations are mild and non-graphic.
Profanity
The dialogue includes moderate profanity used in the context of teenage frustration, including words like sh*t (multiple times) and f*ck (occasional usage). These terms are generally used to emphasize emotional outbursts or peer-to-peer arguments.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Social drinking and partying are recurring themes throughout the story as part of the high school environment. Substance use is depicted as a consequence of peer pressure and social escapism.
Frightening Scenes
The story generates tension through the threat of leaked secrets and the psychological pressure of social status. It is emotionally intense but lacks traditional horror or graphic disturbing content.
Key Insights
Quick summary and important considerations
A story about high schoolers who learn that trying to be perfect on social media often leads to more trouble than it is worth.
Content Warnings
Detailed Analysis
In-depth insights for parents and educators
What Parents Need to Know
The narrative focuses on the dangers of digital image management and the fallout from breached privacy. Expect themes involving social status, the pressure to conform, and the consequences of dishonesty.
What Kids Can Learn
Viewers gain insight into the psychological toll of maintaining unrealistic social expectations and the value of honesty over curated popularity.
Key Topics Discussed
Why Parents Might Like It
It provides a clear window into the modern adolescent experience regarding digital vanity and the often invisible pressures of the high school social ladder.
Positives & learning
Positive messages
Encourages the rejection of superficial perfectionism and promotes the importance of authentic identity in an era of filtered digital personas.
Role models
Characters demonstrate significant flaws through deceit and manipulation, though their eventual exposure serves as a cautionary exploration of moral accountability.
Representation
No diverse representation indicated in available information regarding the core cast of five students.
Learning
Offers social-emotional learning opportunities regarding the distinction between online personas and real-life character.
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