Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Little Secrets

film

Little Secrets

2002

Emily is a plucky preteen who is entrusted with her young neighbors' most private and cherished secrets. Every Wednesday, Emily sets up a booth in her backyard that regularly attracts the guilty young souls of the neighborhood. These include Philip, whose clumsiness and his interest in Emily make him a challenging client. But complications ensue when she suddenly finds it difficult to keep all of her neighbors' secrets to herself.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? PG family viewing with mild emotional conflict, secrets, crushes, and friendship problems; generally suitable for children who can follow preteen social themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance2/5
  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

The film touches on mild emotional topics, but there is no depiction of graphic death.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Very mild language consistent with a PG rating.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A preteen crush and interest between characters are part of the story, but romance remains light and age-appropriate.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a scary film.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

No significant violence depicted.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters face social risks and difficult truths, showing modest emotional courage rather than physical heroism.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Emily's inventive backyard secret-keeping booth and the children's imaginative social world are central to the premise.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited diversity within the specific neighborhood setting.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the social skill of understanding the weight of secrets.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy is central to the protagonist's secret-keeping role.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film emphasizes honesty, trust, responsibility, friendship, and the consequences of mishandling other people's private information.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Young characters show initiative and care for one another, while the story also acknowledges that keeping secrets can create ethical problems.

Family discussion

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

  1. Which character was the best role model, and what did they do that you admired?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Little Secrets would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Little Secrets, and what caused that change?
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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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