Dickens & Rumi
Cover of HOW THE WORD IS PASSED (ADAPTED FOR YOUNG READERS)

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HOW THE WORD IS PASSED (ADAPTED FOR YOUNG READERS)

Clint Smith

The legacy of slavery and its imprint on American history, adapted for young readers. (Ages 10 to 18)

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The content addresses the difficult history of American slavery, including systemic racism and trauma. It is written for young readers but requires emotional maturity to process the serious subject matter. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Educational value5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Discusses the death and suffering of enslaved people throughout history.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Mentions the brutal nature of slavery without gratuitous detail.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Uses occasional historical terms necessary for the context of slavery.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Discusses how religion was used both to justify and oppose slavery.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The reality of historical injustices may be disturbing or unsettling for younger readers.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Discusses physical abuse, punishment, forced labor, racial violence, and oppression under slavery, generally in historical and explanatory contexts.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Centers moral courage: telling difficult truths, resisting injustice, preserving memory, and confronting painful parts of history.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking and reimagining historical narratives.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

Centers on the experiences and history of Black Americans.

Educational value5/5
Why this rating?

Highly educational regarding US history, sociology, and race relations.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes empathy and understanding historical suffering.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong message about the importance of truth, memory, and facing history.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Highlights people who preserve history, challenge injustice, show resilience, and engage thoughtfully with difficult national memories.

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in HOW THE WORD IS PASSED (ADAPTED FOR YOUNG READERS) would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in HOW THE WORD IS PASSED (ADAPTED FOR YOUNG READERS), 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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