Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THIS THING OF OURS

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THIS THING OF OURS

Frederick Joseph

A career-ending basketball injury prompts Ossie to join a competitive creative writing program at the predominantly white Braxton Academy. (Ages 14 to 17)

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Death of a character1/5
  • Strong language1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Educational value4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Loss or death may be discussed in a broader social context, but there is no evidence of a character’s death or a central grief storyline.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Social-justice discussion may include firm or emotionally charged terms, but notable profanity or frequent harsh language is not established.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Substance use is not a meaningful feature of the story.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of systemic violence and historical context, but not graphic depictions.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

It presents courage as speaking honestly, honoring identity, and standing with others in the face of injustice rather than taking reckless risks.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking and creative ways to approach personal identity.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Deeply focused on the nuance of Black experience and intersectional identity.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

The book appears intended to build understanding of identity, community, social structures, and collective action, offering substantial social learning.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, care, cooperation, and support within family and community are prominent.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages emphasize family, mutual care, community responsibility, heritage, and collective belonging.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The author serves as a reflective, authentic figure navigating life's challenges.

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 were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in THIS THING OF OURS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THIS THING OF OURS, and what caused that change?
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