Dickens & Rumi
Cover of SMALL FAVORS

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SMALL FAVORS

Erin A. Craig

Mythic monsters have returned to destroy Amity Falls and Ellerie must protect her farm and siblings. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The novel’s sustained horror, threatening creatures, deaths, violence, disturbing imagery, grief, and emotionally intense atmosphere are better suited to mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes5/5
  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and loss are important to the plot, with grief and the threat of losing loved ones handled seriously.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Features descriptive injuries and dark, macabre imagery associated with the supernatural elements.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild occasional profanity consistent with a young adult rating.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

No prominent LGBTQIA representation noted in the narrative.

Religious themes2/5
Why this rating?

The town's social structure and beliefs play a role, though it is not a religious text.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Contains a central romantic subplot that is significant to the character's motivation but not overly explicit.

Frightening scenes5/5
Why this rating?

Sustained fairy-tale horror includes ominous strangers, disappearances, dangerous creatures, isolation, and escalating dread.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Features very mild romantic tension and occasional references, but no graphic content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal mention of substances, not a central focus of the plot.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Threats, attacks, fights, and peril recur as the town faces supernatural danger; violence is more serious than cartoonish.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters confront frightening supernatural threats and personal loss, with bravery tied to loyalty and principled resistance.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The inventive fairy-tale world, unsettling bargains, folklore atmosphere, and mystery strongly encourage imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

Limited diversity represented in this specific setting, though characters are well-realized.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into themes of social conformity and fear-based decision making.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is a pivotal trait for the protagonist, contrasting with the town's darker impulses.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes protecting others, questioning seductive bargains, resisting manipulation, and accepting responsibility for difficult choices.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist displays resilience and loyalty, serving as a generally positive model under extreme pressure.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in SMALL FAVORS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in SMALL FAVORS, and what caused that change?
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