Dickens & Rumi
Cover of PERFECT

book

PERFECT

Ellen Hopkins

Four teenagers’ ideas of perfection are as different as the paths they take to achieve it.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? The book addresses addiction, disordered eating, sex, sexual identity, self-harm, abuse, suicidal thoughts, and serious emotional distress in an intense, mature narrative. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs5/5
  • Sexual content & nudity4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No significant product placement or commercial push.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Explores the aftermath of death and suicide, which are central to the emotional weight of the story.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of physical self-harm and medical issues associated with eating disorders.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes strong language reflective of teen environments and the intensity of the situations.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

An LGBTQIA character or identity is meaningfully included in the characters’ struggles, but LGBTQIA themes are a secondary part of the overall story.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal mention of religious institutions or faith as a backdrop to the characters' lives.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Includes teenage romantic entanglements and sexual experimentation.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Realistic addiction, abuse, self-harm, family conflict, and emotional crises create sustained distress, but there are no supernatural scares or horror-style threats.

Sexual content & nudity4/5
Why this rating?

Contains explicit descriptions and discussion of sexual encounters and sexual pressure.

Alcohol or drugs5/5
Why this rating?

Drug and alcohol use, addiction, relapse risk, and damaging consequences are central and recurring concerns.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some depictions of self-harm, but no aggressive interpersonal violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage in confronting their demons and seeking help, often in difficult circumstances.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The free-verse style is creative and evocative, encouraging deep reading and analysis.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features varied perspectives of teens, though the narrative is tight on its central cast.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the social and psychological pressures faced by teenagers.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness exists but is often overshadowed by the characters' individual battles.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story strongly explores honesty, support, accountability, consent, recovery, and the damaging cost of hiding problems to seem perfect.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed and struggling; adults are often distant or unaware of the severity of the teens' issues.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in PERFECT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in PERFECT, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re herePERFECT
MISTER IMPOSSIBLEMaggie StiefvaterAges 14+CALL DOWN THE HAWKMaggie StiefvaterAges 14+THE DREAM THIEVESMaggie StiefvaterAges 14+THE RAVEN BOYSMaggie StiefvaterAges 13+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating