Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
In 1981, the height of Ireland's "Troubles," eighteen-year-old Fergus is distracted from his upcoming A-level exams by his imprisoned brother's hunger strike, the stress of being a courier for Sinn Fein, and dreams of a murdered girl whose body he discovered in a bog.
Is Bog Child appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
This YA novel set during Northern Ireland's Troubles deals with political violence, hunger strikes, and terrorism through a teenager's perspective. Contains moderate violence, political tension, and mature themes about sectarian conflict.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, death, and grief (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will be drawn to Fergus's struggle to navigate school, family loyalty, and the dangerous politics of 1981 Ireland while being haunted by mysterious dreams.