Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE REST OF THE STORY

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THE REST OF THE STORY

Sarah Dessen

Emma Saylor falls in love when she spends the summer with her deceased mother's family. (Ages 13 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel addresses a parent’s heroin overdose, addiction, rehabilitation, alcohol-related death, grief, class divisions, and adolescent romance. Its emotional themes and YA prose suit mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Romance3/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Minor mentions of brands in a realistic setting, but no commercial promotion.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's mother died of a drug overdose, and a secondary character's father died in a boating accident; these events drive the narrative.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity consistent with contemporary young adult fiction.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Features a light, age-appropriate teenage romance between the protagonist and a friend from her childhood.

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

Realistic grief, addiction, overdose, and a past accidental death may feel unsettling, but there are no frightening creatures, horror elements, or sustained suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic tension; no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs5/5
Why this rating?

Addiction to drugs and alcohol is a central theme, as the protagonist learns about her late mother's fatal struggle with heroin.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to a past boating accident that resulted in a death.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Courage is shown through the protagonist's willingness to face painful truths about her mother.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages personal reflection and observing the world through different perspectives.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Explores socioeconomic class differences in a thoughtful, grounded way.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Explores socioeconomic disparities and the impacts of addiction, providing a realistic social perspective.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and familial connection are key to the character development.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The novel emphasizes understanding family history, facing painful truths, resisting stigma around addiction, and integrating different parts of one’s identity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows growth and resilience while navigating difficult family dynamics.

Family discussion

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

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in THE REST OF THE STORY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE REST OF THE STORY, 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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