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Cover of THE BECOMING OF NOAH SHAW

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THE BECOMING OF NOAH SHAW

Michelle Hodkin

Noah and friends try to learn the reason for the suicides of gifted teenagers like himself. (Ages 14 and up)

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? The novel combines sustained supernatural peril, violence, grief, trauma, emotionally complex romance, and some sexual references in a sophisticated YA narrative. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of mortality and loss are central to the characters' development.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional descriptions of injuries, but not gratuitous or excessive.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional use of mild to moderate profanity typical of YA contemporary fiction.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Some LGBTQIA-inclusive supporting representation may be present, but it is not a prominent focus of the story.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

A troubled romantic relationship is central, involving attraction, emotional conflict, jealousy, and kissing.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Psychologically tense atmosphere with supernatural themes and recurring dread.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Implied intimacy and some mature romantic discussions, but no explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mention of alcohol use in social settings by older teens/young adults.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Includes supernatural confrontations, physical altercations, and life-threatening situations.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters must bravely face internal and external threats.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Imaginative blend of supernatural intrigue and contemporary psychological drama.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a diverse cast of secondary characters.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It is primarily entertainment fiction; its main learning value concerns emotional relationships, grief, and moral choices.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness is shown within the core relationships despite external conflict.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story explores grief, loyalty, identity, trust, trauma, consequences, and the difficulty of protecting people without controlling them.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Characters are flawed and struggle with complex moral choices, typical of the genre.

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. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in THE BECOMING OF NOAH SHAW would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE BECOMING OF NOAH SHAW, and what caused that change?
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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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