Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE THRASHERS

book

THE THRASHERS

Julie Soto

An exclusive clique at New Helvetia High comes under scrutiny when a teen girl is found dead in an apparent suicide after she was rejected membership. (Ages 12 to 18)

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Romance5/5
  • Sexual content & nudity4/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

No meaningful product placement or purchasing message is expected in this novel.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Past loss may be discussed in backstory, but an on-page death or sustained grief plot is not indicated.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Moderate profanity is reportedly used regularly, without indication of slurs or exceptionally strong language.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Some LGBTQIA+ representation may appear among supporting characters, but it is not central to the plot.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

Romance is central, with an enemies-to-lovers relationship driving the story.

Sexual content & nudity4/5
Why this rating?

The adult romance includes explicit sexual intimacy rather than only kissing or implication.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Social drinking and occasional alcohol use appear, without indication that substance use is central or glamorized.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor hockey-related physical confrontations may occur, but violence is not a major focus and is not described as graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show emotional courage by confronting vulnerability, conflict, and difficult personal experiences.

Creativity & curiosity1/5
Why this rating?

Creative problem-solving may appear incidentally, but imaginative invention or learning is not a central purpose of this romance.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Some variety in character backgrounds is indicated, though the available information does not support a highly diverse rating.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Some insight into professional organizing and hockey culture.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, care, and supportive relationships contribute meaningfully to the characters’ growth.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes healing, emotional honesty, vulnerability, and personal growth within relationships.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are flawed adults who work through emotional challenges, offering some positive examples alongside imperfect choices.

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 did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in THE THRASHERS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE THRASHERS, 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.

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