Dickens & Rumi

book

When we were free to be

Lori Rotskoff; Laura L. Lovett · 2012

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for When we were free to be by Lori Rotskoff; Laura L. Lovett. This book is recommended for ages 16+; content notes include LGBTQIA characters, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Diverse representation, Educational value.

Ages 16+Source checked

Why this age? The main barrier is advanced historical and cultural analysis, including discussion of gender roles, feminism, childhood, and social change. Mature content appears limited, but the book is written for older readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Show Wikipedia summary

Open to load a short Wikipedia summary.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age16+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters2/5
  • Death of a character1/5
  • Frightening scenes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Educational value4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Refers to a commercial children's product as a subject of analysis.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

No death-related content.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

The work discusses shifting gender norms and inclusive family structures relevant to LGBTQIA conversations.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Not a focus of the work.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Not a focus of the work.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

No scary content.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the courage to challenge societal norms.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Discusses the imaginative songs, stories, performances, and media-making that made the project influential.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Explores efforts to broaden representation and challenge gender stereotypes, while also examining the limits and context of that project.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

Its central purpose is to teach cultural and media history, with analysis of feminism, childhood, education, and social change.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages empathy and breaking down social barriers.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strongly examines equality, freedom from gender stereotypes, inclusive childhood, and the cultural value of challenging restrictive norms.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Profiles creators, educators, performers, and advocates who shaped a major progressive children's media project.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in When we were free to be would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in When we were free to be, 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.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereWhen we were free to be
Doctor NoIan Fleming · 1958Ages 16+Diamonds are ForeverIan Fleming · 1956Ages 16+The Poison JungleTui T. Sutherland · 2019Ages 14+The Hive QueenTui T. Sutherland · 2018Ages 14+

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