Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Themes
Synopsis
In the United Safer States of America in 2076 prisoners perform all manual labor, and the country is finally safe. Sixteen-year-old Bo ignores governmental protective devices capturing every action and word, and must endure the avalanche of safety regulations. But when he's accused of spreading a rash at school, anger and jealousy threaten to override his daily dose of calming Levulor and earn him a "job" in the Canadian tundra. Hautman pens a futuristic satire brimming with wry humor and honored by a Booklist starred review. Winner of the National Book Award.
Is Rash appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
This satirical dystopian novel explores themes of government overreach and forced labor camps with wry humor. Contains mild violence related to imprisonment and labor, with social commentary on surveillance and control appropriate for mature middle schoolers and teens.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include captivity, manipulation, and government surveillance (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will enjoy the darkly funny take on a future America gone overboard with safety rules, where one mistake can land you in a prison work camp.