Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LOCK AND KEY

book

LOCK AND KEY

Sarah Dessen

A crack appears in a girl’s mask of cynicism.

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Mature YA themes include parental abandonment, addiction, underage drinking and drug use, child neglect, physical abuse, running away, and family trauma. Romance is comparatively restrained, but the emotional subject matter is intense. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Alcohol or drugs4/5
  • Romance3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

General references to consumer culture (malls, social media), but no aggressive brand promotion.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains some mild language consistent with a high school setting.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Ruby and Nate gradually become close, date, break up, and reconnect. Romance is meaningful but secondary to family and recovery themes.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Emotional danger and family instability create some tension, including abuse and running away, but the novel is not horror-focused and lacks frightening creatures or graphic scares.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, typical YA-level exploration of teen relationships; no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs4/5
Why this rating?

Ruby's mother is addicted to drugs and alcohol, Ruby uses alcohol and drugs, and the mother later enters rehabilitation. Substance misuse is central and consequential.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Nate is repeatedly physically abused by his father, and arguments and confrontations occur. Violence is serious but not presented as graphic action.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Ruby confronts painful family truths and changes her behavior; Nate faces abuse and chooses to leave his father for safety and support.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Ruby finds creative outlets and perspective through her jewelry work and school.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and family structures.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Touches on social services, school experiences, and navigating complex family dynamics.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Cora and Jamie provide a home, Nate helps Ruby, and several characters offer care and practical support despite conflict and mistrust.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes accepting help, redefining family, taking responsibility, confronting abuse, seeking recovery, and breaking harmful patterns.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Ruby makes risky choices but grows more responsible; Cora, Jamie, and Nate offer support, while abusive and neglectful adults model harmful behavior.

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. How were alcohol or drugs portrayed, and what consequences did the story show?
  3. Which choice in LOCK AND KEY would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LOCK AND KEY, 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 hereLOCK AND KEY
Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+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