Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Heroine archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
In America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota--and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life...
Tags
Is Ship Breaker appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 14 and up.
Teens face harsh working conditions in a climate-collapsed future where ship breaking is dangerous manual labor. Contains violence inherent to the brutal world and themes of abuse and exploitation, but handled appropriately for YA readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and mild language. Content notes include child abuse, death, and violence (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens will appreciate the fast-paced survival story and the impossible moral choice between security and doing what's right.