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Cover of Shift

Shift

Em Bailey (2011)

SubgenreHigh Fantasy
Age groupYA 12-17
Content ratingPG-13
Pages (Standard (250-400))
Setting
CSM age14
Goodreads3.65

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageMild

Protagonist archetypes

Unreliable Narrator

Synopsis

Olive, having recently suffered mental problems, is unsure whether to trust her instincts when a new student, rumored to have killed her parents, develops a parasitic relationship with Olive's former best friend, Jubilee Park High School's "Queen Bee."

Is Shift appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 14 and up.

A psychological thriller with dark overtones exploring mental health, toxic friendships, and a protagonist questioning her own perceptions. Contains themes of manipulation, rumored murder, and the aftermath of mental illness.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include murder, mental illness, and manipulation (see the full list above).

Who'll love this

Teens will be gripped by the suspenseful mystery of whether the new student is truly dangerous or if the protagonist's mental health issues are clouding her judgment.

Tags

Psychological ThrillerContemporary FantasyDark Academia