Dickens & Rumi
Cover of I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT

book

I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT

Kimberly Jones and Gilly Segal

Two girls, one Black and one white, form a bond during a racially charged riot. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Frequent racial tension, threats, fighting, danger, and mature discussion of prejudice make this best suited to older teens, though sexual content is limited. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The threat of death and the fear of violence against oneself or others is a central, pervasive theme.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minor injuries like scrapes or cuts are briefly mentioned in the context of the unrest.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Some strong language is used to reflect the intensity of the characters' emotions and the dangerous environment.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romantic interest is minor compared with the developing friendship and the survival-focused plot.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

The girls are repeatedly endangered during civil unrest, pursued, threatened, and forced to make difficult choices under pressure.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor references to alcohol or substance use may appear in the high school party setting.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists face riots, fights, threats, weapons, and physical danger while trying to get home; violence is serious rather than purely comic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Both girls repeatedly face danger, fear, and social pressure while taking principled risks to help each other and resist prejudice.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The characters must use creative problem-solving to find safe routes through a dangerous city.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

The central premise examines friendship between Black and white teenage girls and gives both differing perspectives and agency.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

Provides insight into the realities of racial inequality and civil unrest through fictional narrative.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Mutual care and practical help gradually overcome suspicion, and compassion becomes essential to the girls’ survival and friendship.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

It strongly emphasizes empathy, confronting racism, rejecting stereotypes, solidarity, and recognizing shared humanity across social divides.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show resilience, loyalty, self-reflection, and moral growth while challenging prejudice and protecting one another.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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 I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in I'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT, 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 hereI'M NOT DYING WITH YOU TONIGHT
A Forest DividedErin Hunter · 2015Ages 14+Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+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