Overview
Everyone knows the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover” — and that certainly applies to Icebreaker. With its animated and colorful cover, Icebreaker seems like another cute, teen romance story that you may find in the YA section of your bookstore. However, its story reads as something that belongs on Wattpad, if you’re familiar with the fan-fiction site known for sexual content and glorifying mental health struggles.
But this book has become massively popular among young readers, largely due to #BookTok, which is a community on TikTok that shares favorite books from avid readers. Not surprisingly, one of the books that’s most popular on TikTok is not safe for kids to read.
Icebreaker is the first in the Maple Hills series, and here’s a general overview: Anastasia is a freshman at the University of California and is new to the ice skating team. She’s ambitious, talented, and not willing to let anyone get in her way. Nate, on the other hand, is a laidback jock on the hockey team who quickly has eyes for Anastasia. Due to a scheduling mishap at the ice rink, the two are put in each other’s paths and their clashing turns into a whirlwind relationship.
Harmful Content ❗️
Parents first need to know that Icebreaker contains very graphic sexual content, which we’ll provide more details on below. Besides this, the book features other adult themes such as partying, minors drinking and getting drunk, manipulative relationships, and more.
Additionally, the main female character, Anastasia, very evidently struggles with an eating disorder. This stems from some mental health struggles she has with anxiety, and she does see a therapist for these things. Impressionable readers may find this glorified in the story, or those who’ve had similar struggles may find some parts triggering.
Language
The language in this book is rife with profanity and swearing. Some examples include “f*ck,” “a**hole,” “bastard,” “p*ssy,” and more.
Sex
This book contains multiple, very graphic sex scenes. This is mostly between the two main characters who are college-aged students. Scenes include acts such as masturbation, vaginal penetration, stimulation with physical objects, and more. Again, these scenes are very descriptive and explicit, unsuitable for kids and tweens.
Violence
There is mild violence in the book, with one fistfight and one scene where a character almost drowns from falling through the ice. Otherwise, violence is not a concern in this book.
Positive Value 💫
Everyone loves a good enemies-to-lovers romance story, and Icebreaker certainly delivers on that. And it’s fair to mention that the plot of the book has some positive messages including not holding yourself to unrealistic standards and winning isn’t always everything. However, there are tons of other romance novels that are much more suitable for young avid readers.
It may also be worth noting that the book has some positive elements such as valuing consent in sexual relationships and the importance of safe sex. One could argue this book is one way to bring up conversations with your child about these tough topics. But again, this book also risks giving kids the wrong impression about sex, self-image, and intimate relationships.
So, should my kid read it?
We believe this book is not suitable for kids. We’d suggest ages 17 or 18 at the earliest and only if you feel your child is mature enough.
