Dickens & Rumi

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An American spy

Olen Steinhauer · 2012

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for An American spy by Olen Steinhauer. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Violence, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Characters are killed as part of the plot; death is a central driver of the narrative tension.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of gunshot wounds and injuries occur but are not excessively visceral.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of strong language, consistent with the gritty tone of a spy thriller.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Minimal focus on romance; relationships are mostly strained by the characters' secret lives.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Sustained suspense includes surveillance, terrorism, assassination threats, pursuit, betrayal, and danger to civilians. It is tense but not presented as horror.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains very brief mentions or adult situational context, but no graphic content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Includes casual use of alcohol by adult characters in social and professional settings.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes targeted killings, fight sequences, and realistic portrayals of espionage-related violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters face significant danger and political pressure, often requiring nerve and sacrifice, though choices are morally complicated.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages analytical thinking and following complex, multi-layered plot lines.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse international cast as part of the espionage network.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the mechanics of fictional intelligence operations and geopolitical tensions.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Limited acts of kindness; survival and duty are primary motivators.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores complex questions of duty, loyalty, and the moral cost of state-sanctioned secrets.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists are morally ambiguous, forced to make difficult choices for professional survival.

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