Dickens & Rumi

book

Twelve minutes to midnight

Christopher Edge · 2014

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Twelve minutes to midnight by Christopher Edge. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

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

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Murder and death-related events are important to the mystery, though deaths are not treated graphically and grief is not the book’s main focus.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

There is no significant gore or graphic detail.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a central theme of the narrative.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not a focus of this adventure story.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

The setting of a Victorian asylum and the unexplained medical phenomena create a spooky, atmospheric tone.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Typical period-appropriate mentions of tobacco use by adults.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes some tense situations and mild action consistent with a mystery-thriller for younger readers.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist frequently demonstrates bravery by investigating dangers on her own.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Features imaginative puzzles and a creative approach to storytelling.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The cast is limited by the historical setting of the period.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides historical flavor of 1913 England and touches on early 20th-century sensibilities.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show concern for the vulnerable patients and work to help them.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of curiosity, intelligence, and standing up for the truth.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Penelope is an intelligent, courageous, and proactive protagonist.

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Twelve minutes to midnight would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Twelve minutes to midnight, and what caused that change?
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