Dickens & Rumi

book

Bum steer

Nancy Pickard · 1990

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Bum steer by Nancy Pickard. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death is a central theme as the plot revolves around solving a murder.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Crime scenes are described but generally not in gratuitous detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional mild profanity typical of adult contemporary fiction.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains romantic subplots consistent with the genre.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension is present due to the murder investigation.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild adult references and mature relationship dynamics.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking occurs, which is standard for the characters in this series.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of murder and physical altercations typical of a mystery novel.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist faces danger while pursuing justice.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages analytical thinking and deductive reasoning.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story includes varied community characters, but there is limited evidence of substantial cultural, identity, or ability representation.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The mystery may offer incidental insight into foundation work and community life, but teaching is not the main purpose.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate empathy, though the focus is on investigative problem-solving.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of integrity, justice, and critical thinking.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Jenny Cain is portrayed as a professional, ethical, and intelligent protagonist.

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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 Bum steer would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Bum steer, and what caused that change?
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