Dickens & Rumi

book

Them

Katherine Applegate · 2001

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Them by Katherine Applegate. This book is content notes include Frightening scenes, Romance, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Book 3 · RemnantsSource checked

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10-second decision

Is this likely to fit your family?

Age guidanceNot listed
Strongest cautionsFrightening scenes 3/5 · Romance 2/5 · Violence 2/5
Strongest positivesCourage & resilience 4/5 · Creativity & curiosity 3/5
Series positionBook 3 · Remnants
Recommendation3.3/5

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

This is the quick scan. Open the evidence and methodology below for the basis behind each rating.

Quick context

What parents should know

Courage & resilience; strongest caution: frightening scenes.

Readiness snapshotMain watch-out: Frightening scenes 3/5
Recommendation 3.3/5

Editorial rating

How this review was built

Dickens & Rumi editorial
Source checkedPublication method
13Scored categories
13Evidence notes
0Explicit 0/5 checks
Nov 6, 2026Last updated

Dickens & Rumi describes what is present; families decide what matters to them. Community reactions are kept separate from official content ratings.

How ratings workReport a rating or series issue
Review depth13 scored categories13 evidence notes
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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Romance2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models3/5

Reading order

Series progression

All known volumes are shown. Reviewed books include age guidance and cautions; books still being reviewed are clearly marked.

Next volumeBook 4 · Nowhere LandStrongest cautions: Death of a character 3/5 · Frightening scenes 3/5Open next review →
  1. Book 1 · The Mayflower Project
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence2/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    Starting point
  2. Book 2 · Destination Unknown
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Alcohol or drugs2/5Romance2/5Strong language2/5Products & advertising1/5Sexual content & nudity1/5
    Gets more intense
  3. Book 3 · Them
    Frightening scenes3/5Romance2/5Violence2/5Death of a character1/5Graphic injury1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets gentler
  4. Book 4 · Nowhere Land
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Products & advertising1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets more intense
  5. Book 5 · Mutation
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    About the same
  6. Book 6 · Breakdown
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    About the same
  7. Book 7 · Isolation
    Death of a character4/5Frightening scenes4/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Products & advertising1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets more intense
  8. Book 8 · Mother, May I?
    Gets gentler
  9. Book 9 · No Place Like Home
    Romance4/5Sexual content & nudity2/5Alcohol or drugs1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets more intense
  10. Book 11 · Dream Storm
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    Gets more intense
  11. Book 12 · Aftermath
    Death of a character5/5Violence3/5Frightening scenes2/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    About the same
  12. Book 13 · Survival
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    About the same
  13. Book 14 · Begin Again
    Death of a character3/5Frightening scenes3/5Violence3/5Graphic injury1/5Romance1/5Strong language1/5
    About the same

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What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Loss and existential danger appear to be themes, but the available evidence does not establish a prominent or depicted death.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Physical transformation or injury may be unsettling, but the available evidence does not suggest graphic blood or detailed gore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild teen-appropriate language may occur; no strong profanity or slurs are indicated.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Teen crushes or romantic interest appear present but are not described as central to the story.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Supernatural elements and suspense create a moderately creepy atmosphere, with some frightening or tense moments.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Some conflict and peril occur in a paranormal-thriller setting, but the available description does not indicate sustained or graphic violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists confront frightening uncertainty and difficult questions about themselves with substantial bravery.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Its supernatural premise can encourage imaginative thinking, though the available evidence does not show a strong inventive problem-solving focus.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Teen characters are present, but the available information does not establish broad, well-developed representation across identities or backgrounds.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The book is primarily entertainment; any learning comes through social and emotional themes rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and mutual support help characters cope with their trials, though kindness is not the sole focus.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story appears to emphasize self-acceptance, resilience, and the effects of feeling like an outsider.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show resilience while dealing with confusing and difficult circumstances, though their choices may be mixed.

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 Them would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Them, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community perspective — separate from editorial ratings

What families noticed

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