Dickens & Rumi
Cover of GONE

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GONE

Michael Grant

A world where adults have disappeared. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent peril, deaths, cruelty, disturbing threats and emotionally intense situations—including abuse and sexual danger—make this better for mature teens, despite its accessible adventure style. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The death of characters is a central and recurring element of the narrative.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Descriptions of injuries and some blood occur, though not excessively graphic.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Contains moderate coarse language typical of teen dialogue in stressful situations.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal presence of LGBTQIA themes or characters in this specific volume.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Some thematic exploration of moral questions, but not a religious text.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Teenage crushes and romantic tensions are present but secondary to the survival plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The disappearance of adults, dangerous powers, frightening creatures, confinement and threats to children create sustained suspense and dread.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Very minor or implied references; sexual content is not a focus of the story.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional references to substances but they are not the central focus of the plot.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent combat, bullying, and life-threatening encounters between teenagers using supernatural powers.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face terrifying threats and difficult responsibilities, with bravery often involving protecting others and resisting abuse.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The premise encourages imaginative thinking about superhuman abilities, survival, governance and inventive responses to an impossible crisis.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a group of characters with varied backgrounds and personal traits.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on leadership and decision-making under crisis.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and cooperation are highlighted as necessary for group survival.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story explores responsibility, leadership, cooperation, abuse of power, moral courage and the consequences of selfish or cruel choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters must step up into leadership roles under extreme pressure.

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in GONE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in GONE, 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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