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Cover of How I Broke Up with Ernie

How I Broke Up with Ernie

R. L. Stine (1990)

SubgenreParanormal Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG
Pages (Quick Read (<250))
Setting
CSM age13
Goodreads3.38
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Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

StalkingObsessive BehaviorEmotional Manipulation

Positive tags

Self-DiscoveryComing of Age

Hero archetypes

Obsessive ExStalker

Heroine archetypes

Coming-of-Age HeroineOutspoken Heroine

Tropes

Supernatural StalkerCursed RelationshipFish out of WaterUnreliable Narrator

Themes

IndependenceBoundariesObsessionComing of AgeSupernatural Consequences

Synopsis

Breaking up with Ernie is not easy for Amy. Everyone thinks he is wonderful, and when she finally tells him, he just stares at her. No matter what she does, she can't make Ernie go away. Breaking up isn't just hard--it's impossible!

Is How I Broke Up with Ernie appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 13 and up.

This R.L. Stine thriller explores a teen's struggle to break up with a boyfriend who won't accept it's over, with stalking behavior and supernatural/horror elements typical of Stine's work.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include stalking, obsessive behavior, and emotional manipulation.

Who'll love this

Teens will be gripped by Amy's increasingly creepy situation when her ex refuses to leave her alone no matter what she tries.

Tags

HorrorThrillerContemporary FantasyPsychological