Dickens & Rumi
Cover of AURORA BURNING

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AURORA BURNING

Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Having been framed for a massacre, Squad 312 is on the run with a bounty on their heads. (Ages 13 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel has complex science-fiction plotting, sustained danger, combat, frightening threats, grief, relationship drama, and mature emotional stakes, with little explicit sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Character deaths occur and impact the team, though it is not centered on bereavement.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries or battlefield carnage, but it is not gratuitously graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Includes moderate strong language throughout the dialogue.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA characters and relationships are integrated into the main cast naturally.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No significant religious themes; the focus is on secular sci-fi lore.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Several romantic relationships and crushes are important to the ensemble, with attraction, emotional conflict, and some kissing.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Sustained suspense includes hostile aliens, dangerous missions, pursuit, imprisonment, and threats to young characters and their crew.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes romantic scenes and mild sexual references, but nothing explicit.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor references to alcohol or sci-fi equivalents.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent science fiction combat, including ship battles, laser fire, and physical altercations involving alien threats.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Facing overwhelming danger, uncertainty, and loss while protecting others and confronting powerful forces is central to the story.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative alien cultures, space travel, speculative technology, unusual settings, and inventive problem-solving are central attractions.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The cast is intentionally diverse in terms of species, background, and identity.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on creative world-building rather than real-world technical education.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and sacrifice among team members are central to their survival.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes loyalty, teamwork, identity, responsibility, resisting oppression, and making ethical choices under pressure.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Young protagonists show loyalty, ingenuity, resilience, and willingness to protect others, while also making mistakes and facing consequences.

Family discussion

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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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in AURORA BURNING would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in AURORA BURNING, 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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