Dickens & Rumi

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The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious Book 2)

Maureen Johnson · 2019

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious Book 2) by Maureen Johnson. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • LGBTQIA characters2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Deaths, including a historic murder central to the series mystery, are discussed and investigated; grief and danger have emotional weight.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal gore; injuries and deaths are discussed after the fact.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild swearing consistent with high school settings.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA characters in a respectful, secondary manner.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features age-appropriate adolescent crushes and blossoming relationships.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The isolated school setting, hidden secrets, threats, and murder investigation create sustained suspense and occasional frightening scenes.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild innuendo typical of the YA genre.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to alcohol use in social settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains non-graphic threats and mentions of past murders.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist demonstrates significant bravery in pursuing the truth.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The intricate clues, secret histories, puzzles, and investigative problem-solving strongly encourage curiosity and imaginative deduction.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of students with varied backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Highlights aspects of true crime investigation and historical context.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters show support for friends in difficult situations.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes curiosity, analytical thinking, and perseverance.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are generally intelligent and motivated, though sometimes impulsive.

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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 did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious Book 2) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Vanishing Stair (Truly Devious Book 2), and what caused that change?
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