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Reading guide

Books with little or no romance

Reviewed books where romance is absent or rated at the lowest published caution level.

Each title below has a published Dickens & Rumi content guide. Ratings are a starting point; open the title and review the details before deciding.

• Book · Ages 8+A COPYCAT CONUNDRUMLisa YeeThe Misfits investigate art thefts as unusual earthquakes start shaking up San Francisco. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 9+A HIDDEN ENEMYErin HunterLucky and his pack fight wild dogs for control of the forest.
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• Book · Ages 10+A RISKY GAMEAlyson GerberJack and Weatherby compete for membership in their school's secret society, the Last Heir. (Ages 9 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 10+A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTSLemony SnicketThe three Baudelaire siblings find misfortune everywhere they turn. (Ages 10 and up)
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• Book · 2001 · Ages 10+A Single ShardLinda Sue ParkPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 9+A SNICKER OF MAGICNatalie LloydPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 9+A STRANGE THING HAPPENED IN CHERRY HALLJasmine WargaRami and Veda are determined to solve the mystery of a missing painting. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 10+A TALE OF MAGIC...Chris ColferBrystal Evergreen and her friends use magic to thwart evil. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 10+A TALE OF WITCHCRAFT...Chris ColferIn this sequel to “A Tale of Magic...” a mysterious new witch arrives at the academy with dark intentions. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 8+A WOLF CALLED WANDERRosanne ParryPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 9+ALCATRAZ VERSUS THE EVIL LIBRARIANSBrandon SandersonAlcatraz Smedry battles the Evil Librarians using only his incredible talent for breaking things. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 10+ALI CROSSJames PattersonThe son of the former detective Alex Cross solves crimes. (Ages 10 to 14)
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• Book · Ages 10+ALI CROSS: LIKE FATHER, LIKE SONJames PattersonAli investigates the shooting of new friend, Zoe. (Ages 10 to 14)
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• Book · Ages 8+ALIEN SUPERSTARHenry Winkler and Lin OliverAn alien mistaken for a costumed actor on a Universal Studios lot becomes a star. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 14+ALL AMERICAN BOYSJason Reynolds and Brendan KielyPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 14+ALL BETTER NOWNeal ShustermanIn a dystopia, survivors of a virus known as Crown Royale feel the long-term effects of utter contentment. (Ages 12 and up)
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• Book · Ages 11+ALLIESAlan GratzA story of June 6, 1944. D-Day. As told by various characters based on true events. (Ages 9 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 11+ALONEMegan E. FreemanPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 10+AMARI AND THE GREAT GAMEB.B. AlstonAmari agrees to participate in the Great Game after a magician with dangerous plans for the League steps forward. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 10+AMARI AND THE NIGHT BROTHERSB.B. AlstonPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 9+AMULETKazu KibuishiEmily discovers a magical amulet in her great-grandfather's house. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 14+ANNA AND THE SWALLOW MANGavriel SavitPublished Dickens & Rumi guide. Open the content guide to see the full caution and positive-quality ratings.
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• Book · Ages 10+ARU SHAH AND THE SONG OF DEATHRoshani ChokshiAru is framed for stealing the god of love’s bow and arrow. (Ages 8 to 12)
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• Book · Ages 9+AUGGIE & MER.J. PalacioA collection of three "Wonder" stories. (Ages 8 to 12)
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