Dickens & Rumi
Cover of IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY

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IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY

Becky Albertalli

Imogen Scott, who is straight, goes along with a tale told by her friend Lili that the two of them dated. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Teen themes include questioning sexuality, romance, kissing, social conflict, mild language, and party-related references; treatment is generally non-graphic and emotionally appropriate for many teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

The novel is not built around brands, products, or encouraging purchases.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some teen-appropriate mild profanity and slang.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

Central theme involves characters navigating LGBTQIA+ identities and experiences.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic feelings, crushes, kissing, and the development of a queer teen relationship are major elements.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a scary book.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild teen-focused discussion of relationships; no explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of social drinking in college settings.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

No substantial physical violence is central to the story; conflict is mainly interpersonal and verbal.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Imogen faces uncertainty and social pressure while working toward honesty and self-acceptance.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages self-reflection and imaginative problem-solving in social situations.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Strong representation of varied sexual identities.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers informal social-emotional insight into identity, labels, coming out, and LGBTQIA experiences rather than structured instruction.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, support, empathy, and repairing interpersonal harm are recurring concerns.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes self-knowledge, honesty, respecting others' identities, friendship, and avoiding assumptions about someone else's coming out.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters make believable mistakes but often show accountability, empathy, and growth in relationships.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in IMOGEN, OBVIOUSLY, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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