Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE UNWANTEDS

book

THE UNWANTEDS

Lisa McMann

Children inhabit a world where creativity can mean a death sentence. (Ages 9 to 13)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers who can handle fantasy violence, danger, oppression, loss, and emotionally intense conflict without graphic gore or sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are threatened with death; some deaths occur during the conflict.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of injuries consistent with fantasy combat.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild insults and character name-calling.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor teenage crushes, not a primary focus.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Threats of punishment, pursuit, confinement, dangerous magic, and battles create sustained tension for young characters.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Fantasy conflict includes fighting, weapons, attacks, danger, and resistance against an oppressive regime; violence is not graphically described.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face persecution and danger while defending one another and challenging unjust authority.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Creativity is the literal source of magic and power within the story.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The cast includes children with varied abilities, personalities, and social positions; the story emphasizes belonging and valuing differences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages interest in arts, music, and creative expression.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Care, friendship, mentorship, mutual aid, and protecting outcasts are important parts of the community the children create.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes affirm inclusion, resisting prejudice, protecting vulnerable people, cooperation, creativity, and judging people by their abilities rather than labels.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Young characters show loyalty, ingenuity, responsibility, and moral courage, though they sometimes face dangerous choices and conflict.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE UNWANTEDS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE UNWANTEDS, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

If you liked this

Try something nearby

Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTHE UNWANTEDS
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+Drowned Ammet (Dalemark Quartet, Book 2)Diana Wynne Jones · 1977Ages 12+Cart and Cwidder (The Dalemark Quartet)Diana Wynne Jones · 1975Ages 12+

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating