Dickens & Rumi
Cover of OUT OF THE BLUE

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OUT OF THE BLUE

Jason June

A merperson named Crest and a lifeguard, Sean, fall in love with each other. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because of sustained romantic themes, queer identity exploration, grief, peril, and emotionally complex discussions of family and belonging; sexual content is limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Death of a character2/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No specific commercial promotion.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Grief or bereavement appears to be part of the story, but death is not graphic or depicted as violent.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Includes occasional mild profanity suitable for a teen audience.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

The book centers on a non-binary protagonist and explores queer identity and romance prominently.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

A central queer romantic relationship develops through attraction, dating-like experiences, kissing, and emotional intimacy.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Ocean dangers and supernatural threats create occasional suspense, though the overall tone is not frightening.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Mild romantic tension and occasional innuendo typical of YA romance.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Social settings may feature casual drinking by older characters.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy peril, conflict, and threatening situations occur, but violence is not graphic or a major focus.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Courage is displayed in the protagonist's decision to embrace a new environment and identity.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The narrative uses creative fantasy elements to explore real-world social themes.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

The story features diverse representation regarding gender identity and queer relationships.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the experience of being non-binary.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasis is placed on empathy, support, and kindness between friends and partners.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes affirm authenticity, consent, empathy, environmental care, chosen family, and challenging restrictive expectations.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn from their mistakes and work through their personal growth.

Family discussion

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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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in OUT OF THE BLUE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in OUT OF THE BLUE, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Violet Fairy Book (Large Print)Andrew Lang · 1901Ages 12+The Crimson Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1903Ages 12+The Lilac Fairy BookAndrew Lang · 1910Ages 12+

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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