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WARRIORS: THE BROKEN CODE

Name: WARRIORS: THE BROKEN CODE
Author: Erin Hunter

Erin Hunter

Shadowsight, Rootpaw and Bristlefrost and their struggles to bring back StarClan. (Ages 8 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to mature middle-grade readers who can handle repeated animal battles, deaths, grief, frightening threats, and complex clan politics. Sexual content is absent, but the emotional and fantasy violence can be intense. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

Death of a character4/5
Frightening scenes4/5
Religious themes4/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience4/5
Positive messages4/5
Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5

Why this rating?

Deaths are an important part of the series, including losses affecting protagonists; grief and the consequences of death receive meaningful attention.

Graphic injury2/5

Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of wounds and blood, but it is not gratuitous.

Strong language1/5

Why this rating?

Very mild terminology, mainly cat-specific insults like 'mouse-brain.'

LGBTQIA characters1/5

Why this rating?

Minor inclusion of same-sex pairings in the background of the clan social structure.

Religious themes4/5

Why this rating?

Belief in StarClan, ancestors, omens, prophecies, and spiritual authority is central to the clans' worldview and conflicts.

Romance2/5

Why this rating?

Subtle romantic feelings occur, but they are not a primary focus.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

Ominous spirits, possession, persecution, battles, and danger to vulnerable cats create sustained suspense and frightening moments, though the fantasy presentation limits graphic intensity.

Violence4/5

Why this rating?

Frequent fantasy battles, attacks, threats, and physical confrontations among warrior cats; violence is central to the plot, though not graphically realistic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5

Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face danger, grief, betrayal, and moral uncertainty, with principled bravery treated as important and admirable.

Creativity & curiosity3/5

Why this rating?

Rich clan world-building, invented traditions, prophecy, nature-based problem-solving, and imaginative animal societies strongly encourage creative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5

Why this rating?

Characters of various ages and roles contribute to the group's success.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

It may support reading stamina, empathy, and perspective-taking, but it is primarily an imaginative adventure rather than instructional nonfiction.

Kindness & empathy3/5

Why this rating?

Cooperation and empathy between clan members are vital to their survival.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

The story emphasizes loyalty, accountability, resisting manipulation, questioning authority, and choosing what is right over what is convenient.

Good role models3/5

Why this rating?

Characters struggle with complex choices, showing growth and learning from mistakes.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
Which choice in WARRIORS: THE BROKEN CODE would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in WARRIORS: THE BROKEN CODE, and what caused that change?

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