Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE

book

WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE

Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

Sade Hussein attempts to unravel the mysteries of Alfred Nobel Academy after her roommate goes missing. (Ages 14 to 18)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The mystery and themes are suited to older teens, with sustained suspense, bullying, racism, trauma, sexual-assault references, and emotionally difficult revelations. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Religious themes3/5
  • Sexual content & nudity3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No significant commercial branding or product placement.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The mystery centers on a missing person and implies potential danger or past loss.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor descriptions of injury or mystery-related discovery, but not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes mild profanity consistent with contemporary high school settings.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA representation is present and integrated into the characters' lives.

Religious themes3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist’s Muslim identity and faith meaningfully shape her perspective and experiences, though religious practice is not the story’s main focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains YA-level romantic interest and interpersonal dynamics.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Tense atmosphere with psychological stakes, stalking elements, and school-wide mystery.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Sexual assault and coercion are important themes and may be difficult for readers, but explicit sexual activity and erotic detail are limited.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of social behavior or typical teen environment.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains moderate suspense and some scuffles typical of a YA thriller, but no graphic or extreme combat.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows significant bravery in confronting powerful institutions to uncover the truth.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The narrative encourages critical thinking and curiosity in unraveling complex mysteries.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The story centers a Black Muslim girl and includes varied racial, cultural, class, and identity experiences with meaningful agency.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental insights into boarding school life and social navigation.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and mutual support are key elements in solving the central mystery.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Explores themes of truth, justice, systemic critique, and the importance of integrity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show resilience and independence while navigating complex social environments.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE, 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

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.

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