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Blood on My Hands

Todd Strasser · 2010

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Blood on My Hands by Todd Strasser. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General references to common brands or locations, typical of contemporary fiction.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deaths connected to the school shooting are central, with grief and the emotional consequences of loss affecting the characters.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of blood and physical injuries related to the murder mystery plot.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features standard mild teen profanity consistent with the high school setting.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor teenage romantic subplots appropriate for the genre.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The story creates sustained fear through a school attack, uncertainty, pursuit, accusations, and the possibility of further danger.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal sexual references, typical of teen mystery novels.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Features underage party scenes where alcohol consumption is implied or observed.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of a crime scene and threatening situations involving weapons and physical confrontations.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist must find internal courage to face false accusations and dangerous individuals.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages deductive reasoning and problem-solving through its mystery structure.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The story appears to include a typical group of high school characters with some varied backgrounds, but evidence is limited.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on critical thinking and the justice system.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is shown through supportive friendships during the protagonist's crisis.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The novel explores responsibility, truth, scapegoating, trauma, peer pressure, and the consequences of violence and suspicion.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist makes mistakes but demonstrates resilience and a drive to resolve the central conflict.

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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 Blood on My Hands would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Blood on My Hands, and what caused that change?
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