Dickens & Rumi

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The Way the Crow Flies

Ann-Marie MacDonald · 2003

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The Way the Crow Flies by Ann-Marie MacDonald. This book is content notes include Sexual content & nudity, Death of a character, Frightening scenes; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Diverse representation.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Sexual content & nudity5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

A central plot point is the murder of a child. Death and its long-term impact on the community are central themes.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Descriptions of a child murder and its aftermath are serious and sobering, though not gratuitous.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Some strong language may appear in this adult, historically harsh story, but the supplied passages do not show specific words or frequency.

LGBTQIA characters3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's realization and acceptance of her lesbian identity is a significant aspect of her character development.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

Religious influence is present as a cultural background to the 1960s setting but is not the primary focus.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes depictions of marriage struggles and the protagonist's coming-of-age and discovery of her sexuality.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The sense of dread and the atmosphere of suspicion and corruption on the military base create a tense, unsettling tone.

Sexual content & nudity5/5
Why this rating?

Features child sexual abuse by a schoolteacher, a key source of the protagonist's trauma.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Adult drinking is reported in the 1960s military setting; it appears contextual rather than a focus, with no indication of glamorization.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Includes depiction of murder, physical bullying, and the systemic violence of the residential school system.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate significant emotional courage in facing deep-seated trauma and seeking personal truth.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages critical thinking about history, memory, and the construction of personal narratives.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Addresses the experiences of Métis individuals, Jewish survivors, and LGBTQIA identity in mid-century Canada.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into Canadian history, including the treatment of Indigenous people and Cold War-era atmosphere.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and small acts of friendship are crucial to the protagonist's survival and resilience.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Explores complex themes of truth, justice, forgiveness, and the long-term impacts of silence and trauma.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are complex and deeply human, showing both virtues and significant flaws under extreme circumstances.

Family discussion

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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. Were there any mature relationship themes worth talking through together?
  3. Which choice in The Way the Crow Flies would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The Way the Crow Flies, and what caused that change?
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