Dickens & Rumi
Cover of RULES OF ATTRACTION

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RULES OF ATTRACTION

Simone Elkeles

A boy with gang ties, seeking safety, finds romance, too.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen romance includes strong attraction, kissing and implied sexual situations, gang-related danger, substance references, profanity, family conflict, and emotionally intense choices. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance5/5
  • Sexual content & nudity3/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of common brands which are incidental to the narrative.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

References to past deaths and the loss of family members impact character development.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries from fights are described, but it is not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of moderate profanity and street-level vernacular.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Cultural religious references are minimal and incidental to the character backgrounds.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship, including dates, chemistry, and teenage intimacy.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Gang-related threats and confrontations create suspense and concern for characters’ safety, but the book is primarily a teen romance rather than a frightening story.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Contains scenes of physical intimacy and sexual references appropriate for the YA genre.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Underage characters are shown consuming alcohol and being in party environments.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes gang-related conflicts, fights, and threats of physical harm.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Requires significant courage to walk away from gang pressure and change one's life.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on personal expression and finding creative ways to pursue goals.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features Hispanic/Latino protagonists and explores cultural differences in social status.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Highlights the impact of choices and the realities of socioeconomic disparities.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn to support each other and show genuine empathy as the story progresses.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of personal responsibility, choosing a better path, and overcoming prejudice.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show growth and accountability for their past mistakes, though they struggle.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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 relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in RULES OF ATTRACTION would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in RULES OF ATTRACTION, and what caused that change?
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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

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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