Is The Matchbook Right for Teens?

I wrote The Matchbook for adults, but I wrote it for a specific kind of adult: the person who doesn’t usually finish books. That describes a lot of teenagers too, so it’s fair to ask whether it’s right for yours. Here’s exactly what’s in it, so you can decide.

Content at a glance

Sex and romance: none

There are no sex scenes and nothing sexual is described. The story is about friendship, loyalty and a team, not romance.

Language: very mild

There are two or three swear words in the entire book. Soldiers in the story talk like soldiers, but the language is kept clean on the page.

Violence: present, not graphic

This is a military thriller, so there is gunfire and danger during the mission, and a team member is injured. The action is part of the story rather than the focus of it, and it isn’t described in gory detail. There is no torture and no lingering on injuries.

Alcohol: brief

Adult characters have drinks socially in a bar scene. There is no drug use.

Emotional themes: the main thing to know

The hero, Alex, lost his best friend Ben in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. That loss runs through the whole book. It’s handled with restraint rather than sensationalism, and many readers say it’s what makes the book special, but it can raise questions for younger readers about 9/11, terrorism and losing someone close.

What teens can get out of it

• A hero who isn’t a natural. Alex is a brilliant codebreaker who is out of his depth physically. He struggles, gets mocked, and earns respect through effort rather than superpowers.
• Belonging. The heart of the story is a team that doesn’t want him and whether he can earn his place.
• Loyalty and grief. It shows a young man carrying a loss and finding a way to honor it.
• A book they can actually finish. About 200 pages with short chapters. It was written for people who don’t usually read.

Who it’s right for

• 12–13: a good fit for mature middle schoolers who like action and adventure, especially if you’re open to talking about 9/11.
• 14 and up: a strong fit, particularly for reluctant readers, kids into the military or history, and athletes (Alex is a former gymnast).
• Under 12: probably better to wait, mainly because of the 9/11 themes rather than the action.

Conversation starters

• Why do you think the team didn’t accept Alex at first? What changed?
• Why does the matchbook matter so much to him?
• Have you ever had to prove you belonged somewhere?
• What do you know about September 11? What would you like to know?

For more, see the discussion guide.

Quick answers

What age is The Matchbook appropriate for?

Ages 12 and up. There is no sex, only two or three swear words, and the military action isn’t graphic. The main consideration is the theme of losing a best friend on 9/11.

Does The Matchbook have swearing?

Very little: two or three swear words in the entire book.

Is there sex in The Matchbook?

No. There are no sex scenes and no sexual content.

How violent is The Matchbook?

It’s a military thriller, so there is shooting and danger during the mission, but the violence isn’t the focus and isn’t described in graphic detail.