Teen Shelf Help

Media Literacy Websites provide reviews and analyses of various types of media, including movies, TV shows, video games, books, and music, with a particular focus on how suitable they are for different age groups, especially children and adolescents. Websites that we recommend are Common Sense Media, Plugged In, and Compass Book Ratings.

Common Sense Media
"Common Sense Media rates movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, and more so families can feel good about the entertainment choices they make for their kids. We offer the largest, most trusted library of independent age-based ratings and reviews. Our timely parenting advice supports families as they navigate the challenges and possibilities of raising kids in the digital age." -Common Sense Media, Our Mission

In addition to providing age-based ratings, Common Sense Media provides a breakdown of Educational Value, Positive Messages, Positive Role Models, Diverse Representations, Violence and Scariness, Sex/Romance/Nudity, Language, Products and Purchases, and Drinking/Drugs/Smoking. They also provide discussion questions to support guardians with talking about books with their children. Learn how Common Sense Media rates and reviews books by visiting their page How We Rate and Review.

Compass Book Ratings
"Compass Book Ratings' mission is to provide readers with the ability to target in on the right book for them by age, genre, starred literary review, and especially by content." -Compass Book Ratings, About Us

Compass Book Ratings provides Recommended Age, Mature Subject Matter, and Alcohol/Drug Use as well as Content Analysis which includes Profanity/Language, Violence/Gore, and Sex/Nudity.

Plugged In
"Plugged In is a Focus on the Family publication designed to shine a light on the world of popular entertainment while giving families the essential tools they need to understand, navigate, and impact the culture in which they live." -Plugged In, About

Plugged In provides Readability Age Range, Awards, Christian Beliefs, Other Belief Systems, Authority Roles, Profanity and Violence, Sexual Content, and Discussion Topics to support guardians with selecting books for their children.