Dickens & Rumi

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Deadly

Sara Shepard · 2013

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Deadly by Sara Shepard. This book is content notes include Alcohol or drugs, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of popular brands common in contemporary teen settings.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

The central plot revolves around the murder of the protagonist's twin sister; death is the primary catalyst.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries related to the mystery, but generally kept from gratuitous detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild profanity and occasional teenage derogatory language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Minor representation within the wider social circle of the characters.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teen crushes, dating, relationship conflict, jealousy, and romantic complications are prominent alongside the mystery.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Sustained suspense comes from stalking, threats, blackmail, and uncertainty about who is safe. The tone is creepy and tense rather than horrific or intensely frightening.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Teen sexual situations, references, and implications occur, but explicit sexual description is limited.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are sometimes seen at parties involving alcohol.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes threats, physical altercations, and discussions surrounding the central murder mystery.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist must show bravery to uncover the truth about her past and her sister's death.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in mystery-solving and deductive reasoning.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited in scope, primarily focused on wealthy suburban teenage life.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, loyalty, and occasional support matter, but manipulation, rivalry, and betrayal are also central.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes consequences of secrecy, betrayal, manipulation, and risky choices, while showing how pressure can distort judgment.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are flawed and often make dangerous choices; persistence and loyalty coexist with dishonesty and poor judgment.

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in Deadly would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Deadly, and what caused that change?
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