Dickens & Rumi
Cover of IDENTICAL

book

IDENTICAL

Ellen Hopkins

Identical twins alternate in recounting family secrets and destructive behavior.

Ages 17+Source checked

Why this age? Contains explicit sexual abuse and incest-related trauma, rape, substance use, eating-disorder themes, family violence, and death, with emotionally difficult material throughout. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age17+

Strongest cautions

  • Sexual content & nudity5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Death of a character4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A significant death is closely tied to the twins’ trauma and is emotionally important to the plot and its aftermath.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Graphic descriptions are mostly focused on the psychological impact of self-harm rather than visceral gore.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains strong language reflecting the characters' anger and pain.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

No significant LGBTQIA themes or characters are central to the plot.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is mentioned peripherally regarding the father's public persona.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Teenage relationships are portrayed as complicated and often influenced by the girls' trauma.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Abuse, coercion, secrecy, and family danger create sustained psychological distress and fear, though the story is not horror or supernatural.

Sexual content & nudity5/5
Why this rating?

Sexual abuse, incest-related material, rape, coercion, and other mature sexual themes are central and disturbing.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Teen substance use and related risky behavior are prominent, with serious consequences rather than simple endorsement.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes depictions of domestic abuse and emotional volatility within the household.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

It takes significant courage for the twins to eventually seek help.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Its distinctive novel-in-verse form and alternating perspectives invite reflection on voice, identity, and inventive literary storytelling.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the specific experience of two white teenage girls in an abusive home.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the psychological landscape of survivors of childhood abuse.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Moments of kindness exist but are overshadowed by the cycle of abuse.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The novel explores the damage caused by abuse, silence, addiction, secrecy, and neglect, while emphasizing the need for help and accountability.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are struggling deeply; role modeling is complex as they are victims of abuse.

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. Were there any mature relationship themes worth talking through together?
  3. Which choice in IDENTICAL would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in IDENTICAL, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating