Dickens & Rumi

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Once Upon a Crime

Leslie McFarlane · 2006

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Once Upon a Crime by Leslie McFarlane. This book is content notes include Alcohol or drugs, Products & advertising, Romance; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Educational value.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs1/5
  • Products & advertising1/5
  • Romance1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Educational value3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Publishing-related products or series may be mentioned, but the book does not appear to promote buying them.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

At most, mild occasional language or name-calling is suggested; strong profanity and slurs are not identified.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Personal relationships may receive minor mention, but romance is not described as a central storyline.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Passing references to adult social drinking may occur, without evidence that substance use is central or glamorized.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Crime-related incidents or references may appear, but the memoir is not presented as an action-focused or violent story.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

The author's persistence through a challenging writing career offers a modest example of perseverance.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on the process of writing, brainstorming, and storytelling.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the history of American children's publishing.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Professional respect, cooperation, and collegial relationships appear to receive some positive attention.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes perseverance, hard work, and the value of professional integrity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The author presents himself as a dedicated professional writer.

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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 were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in Once Upon a Crime would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Once Upon a Crime, and what caused that change?
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