Dickens & Rumi
Cover of TUNNEL OF BONES

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TUNNEL OF BONES

Victoria Schwab

Accidentally awakening a spirit in the Catacombs under Paris, Cass must solve a mystery before the city is haunted forever. (Ages 9 to 12)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Supernatural danger, threatening ghosts, peril, and references to death may unsettle younger readers, but the violence is generally non-graphic and the story is written for middle-grade readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Ghosts and the circumstances of death are important to the story; grief and loss are treated as meaningful themes.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Some ghostly or injury-related imagery may occur, but graphic blood and detailed bodily harm are not central.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, age-appropriate language throughout.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very minor or non-existent romantic interests.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Ghosts, hauntings, threatening supernatural forces, chases, and suspense are central to the mystery.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains mild supernatural peril and minor scuffles involving ghosts.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Cassidy repeatedly confronts frightening supernatural threats and difficult truths while trying to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative ghost-world premise, mystery solving, and inventive supernatural rules strongly encourage imaginative engagement.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast of characters.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Provides incidental historical facts about Paris and the Catacombs.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, compassion for troubled spirits, family care, and cooperation are recurring positive qualities.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story supports loyalty, empathy, responsibility, facing fear, and helping others rather than seeking danger for its own sake.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Cassidy is a thoughtful, brave, and responsible protagonist.

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 TUNNEL OF BONES would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in TUNNEL OF BONES, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereTUNNEL OF BONES
THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+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.

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