Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE TESTING

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THE TESTING

Joelle Charbonneau

The brightest new graduates are selected to become leaders of a post-apocalyptic society. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel includes sustained danger, deaths, psychological manipulation, betrayal, and morally troubling survival choices. Romance and sexual content are limited, but the dystopian violence and emotional intensity suit mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deaths are an important consequence of the Testing, affecting the characters and shaping the story's emotional stakes.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Describes injuries and the aftermath of fatal incidents, but stays within YA genre standards without gratuitous detail.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language consistent with the genre.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Features a budding romantic connection amidst the conflict, with light kissing and emotional intimacy.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The novel creates sustained suspense through dangerous tests, uncertainty, surveillance, betrayal, and fear of death.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Drug use is mostly limited to medical treatments during the Testing.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Students face lethal tests, attacks, traps, and repeated threats; violence is consequential and central to the survival plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront danger and coercion, requiring resilience and principled choices under severe pressure.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Problem-solving, observation, strategy, and adapting to unfamiliar tests are important to the characters' survival.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Some character variation, but largely follows typical dystopian tropes.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Indirectly encourages curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Compassion, friendship, and cooperation appear amid a system designed to encourage competition and distrust.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The book explores integrity, trust, obedience, manipulation, sacrifice, injustice, and the cost of treating people as resources.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist displays resilience, loyalty, and intelligence under extreme duress.

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