book

DRY

Name: DRY
Author: Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

Alyssa and Garret set out to find their parents who disappeared during a drought known as the "Tap-Out." (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? The disaster scenario, threatening situations, deaths, family separation, violence, and emotional intensity suit mature middle-grade or teen readers more than young children. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

Frightening scenes4/5
Death of a character3/5
Violence3/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience4/5
Kindness & empathy4/5
Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5

Why this rating?

References to common brands in a realistic setting.

Death of a character3/5

Why this rating?

Multiple secondary characters and some primary characters die due to the drought conditions.

Graphic injury2/5

Why this rating?

Mentions of dehydration effects and some injuries, though not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5

Why this rating?

Includes some mild profanity consistent with high-stress YA fiction.

LGBTQIA characters1/5

Why this rating?

Minimal mention or background detail regarding diverse perspectives.

Romance2/5

Why this rating?

Some teen attraction and relationship elements appear, but survival and family concerns are central.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

The prolonged lack of water, panic, fires, danger, and separation from family create sustained suspense and fear.

Alcohol or drugs1/5

Why this rating?

References to the lack of clean liquids; limited usage of substances.

Violence3/5

Why this rating?

People face fights, threats, looting, armed conflict, and dangerous confrontations during social breakdown.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5

Why this rating?

Characters confront danger and deprivation, often choosing difficult action to protect family and neighbors.

Creativity & curiosity3/5

Why this rating?

Problem-solving, improvisation, and adapting ordinary resources are important parts of the survival narrative.

Diverse representation2/5

Why this rating?

Main characters are depicted with distinct backgrounds, though the focus is primarily survival.

Educational value2/5

Why this rating?

Explores the impact of environmental crises and social infrastructure.

Kindness & empathy4/5

Why this rating?

Mutual aid, empathy, and caring for vulnerable people become important ways characters survive the crisis.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

The story emphasizes cooperation, preparedness, responsibility, family loyalty, and the human costs of selfishness and panic.

Good role models3/5

Why this rating?

Young characters show resourcefulness and growth, though some make reckless or morally questionable choices under pressure.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
Which choice in DRY would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in DRY, and what caused that change?

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