Dickens & Rumi

book

The Scattering

Kimberly McCreight · 2017

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Scattering by Kimberly McCreight. This book is content notes include Frightening scenes, Violence, Death of a character; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Good role models.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Includes plot-driven threats of death and potential loss, consistent with the mystery thriller genre.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor mentions of injuries in the context of the thriller plot, but no detailed gore.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity consistent with contemporary teen dialogue.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Representation is present but not the central focus of the narrative.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes age-appropriate teen romantic interest and dynamics.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Maintains a suspenseful, paranoid atmosphere with constant perceived threats to the protagonist.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Limited to occasional mentions or mild flirtation standard for the YA genre.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional incidental references, no glorification.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Features action-oriented conflict, tense chases, and threats of physical harm, though not gratuitous.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist displays significant bravery in the face of daunting, dangerous circumstances.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages imagination and mystery-solving engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes some diversity among its contemporary YA characters, though the available evidence does not show how broad or deeply developed that representation is.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Primarily entertainment, but touches on critical thinking and investigation.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friends demonstrate loyalty and support for one another.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of loyalty, personal growth, and truth-seeking are central.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate resilience and determination, though they make flawed choices under pressure.

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 The Scattering would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Scattering, 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.

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