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Cover of THE GRIMROSE GIRLS

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THE GRIMROSE GIRLS

Laura Pohl

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE GRIMROSE GIRLS by Laura Pohl. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include LGBTQIA characters, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Recommended for older teens because of murders, peril, grief, frightening fairy-tale imagery, emotionally intense relationships, and some mature themes; sexual content appears limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and the threat of further deaths are central to the mystery, with grief and emotional consequences for the characters.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of crime scenes and bodily harm related to the deaths.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes occasional mild profanity.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

Several central characters are LGBTQIA, and queer identities and relationships are woven into the main friendships, romance, and plot.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No prominent religious themes.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Romantic and crush-related relationships are significant, including queer romance, but the murder mystery and friendship themes remain central.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The atmospheric setting and mystery surrounding deaths create a tense, eerie mood.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains some mild references to romantic attraction and intimacy typical of teen literature.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to underage drinking in social settings.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Contains depictions of murder and dangerous situations involving students.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront murder, supernatural threats, fear, and restrictive expectations while trying to protect one another.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The book reimagines fairy-tale archetypes through a contemporary boarding-school murder mystery and encourages questioning inherited narratives.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

The main cast includes varied queer identities and backgrounds, with representation integrated into the characters rather than treated only as a side issue.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers reflections on trauma and personal history.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, mutual care, empathy, and solidarity help the characters respond to danger and grief.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It emphasizes friendship, self-determination, confronting abusive traditions, questioning prescribed roles, and protecting vulnerable people.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show loyalty, courage, and agency, though they also make risky choices and face complicated emotional situations.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in THE GRIMROSE GIRLS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE GRIMROSE GIRLS, and what caused that change?
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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+

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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