Dickens & Rumi

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Killing Mr. Griffin

Lois Duncan · 1978

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Killing Mr. Griffin by Lois Duncan. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Positive messages, Courage & resilience.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of a teacher and a grandmother are central plot points.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Violence is mostly suspense-focused; while death occurs, it is not depicted in a gratuitously bloody way.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Likely mild teen insults or language, but the supplied plot summary does not quote or establish frequency of stronger words.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Susan has an obsession with a classmate, and there are high school social dynamics.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

High suspense and psychological tension as characters face lethal threats from peers.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

No significant substance use.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes a kidnapping, physical assault, attempted murder, and murder.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Susan demonstrates courage by ultimately deciding to stand up to the group and report the crimes.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Sparked by a complex thriller plot that tests critical thinking regarding morality.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story centers on a relatively narrow group of high-school students; the supplied material shows little evidence of varied identities or backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the psychological impact of guilt and the pressure of conformity.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Shows the lack of kindness as a primary driver of the tragedy, though some characters show remorse.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong warnings against peer pressure, lying, and the dark consequences of taking revenge.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The teen characters often make terrible, criminal choices; the narrative shows the danger of following bad leaders.

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

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Killing Mr. Griffin would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Killing Mr. Griffin, and what caused that change?
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