Dickens & Rumi
Cover of I WAS HERE

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I WAS HERE

Gayle Forman

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman. This book is recommended for ages 14+; content notes include Death of a character, Alcohol or drugs, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The central suicide, grief, depression, substance use, sexual references, and emotionally intense investigation require mature discussion, though the book also emphasizes support and healing. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character5/5
Why this rating?

The story centers on the suicide of the protagonist's best friend and the processing of that grief.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Graphic blood or injury detail is not a notable part of the novel.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Features occasional mild profanity typical of contemporary teenage fiction.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA representation is not a central focus of this narrative.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious themes are not prominent.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Contains teen romantic developments, but they are secondary to the primary plot of grief.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Suicide-related grief, unsettling discoveries, emotional distress, and threatening situations may be upsetting, though the book is not a horror story.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor references to sexual activity common in YA literature, but nothing explicit.

Alcohol or drugs3/5
Why this rating?

Some scenes depict teenage drinking at parties.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of emotional pain and a brief mention of a past accident, but no explicit physical violence.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Displays emotional courage in uncovering uncomfortable truths.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages empathy and deeper thinking regarding mental health.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a variety of contemporary characters, though limited in depth.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the impact of suicide on friends and families.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of supporting friends during difficult times are present.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It explores suicide’s impact, the danger of secrecy and isolation, accountability, seeking help, and the possibility of healing.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist shows resilience despite the overwhelming circumstances.

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in I WAS HERE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in I WAS HERE, 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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