Dickens & Rumi
Cover of THE THIRTEENTH CHILD

book

THE THIRTEENTH CHILD

Erin A. Craig

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE THIRTEENTH CHILD by Erin A. Craig. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Creativity & curiosity.

Source checked

Quick view

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
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Death and the threat of losing loved ones are important to the family curse and story stakes; grief and loss are meaningful themes.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some unsettling injuries and gothic imagery appear, but descriptions are generally not highly graphic or prolonged.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Mild occasional language or insults may occur, without indications of frequent strong profanity or slurs.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

A secondary, age-appropriate romantic thread is present, but romance is not the central focus of the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Curses, menacing supernatural forces, and a persistently eerie atmosphere may frighten sensitive readers.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

No explicit sexual content is expected; romantic tension is mild and appropriate for a teen fantasy novel.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Period-style drinking or herbal remedies may be mentioned, but substance use does not appear central or glamorized.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Supernatural threats, peril, and magical confrontations occur throughout, with violence framed as part of the dark fantasy conflict rather than realistic brutality.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly face supernatural danger and difficult truths with determination and protective bravery.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The novel uses imaginative world-building, a distinctive family curse, and inventive folkloric ideas to encourage curiosity and imagination.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The available information suggests a family-centered cast with limited clearly identified representation across backgrounds or identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Folklore and historical atmosphere may broaden readers’ cultural knowledge, but teaching facts or skills is not the book’s main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Family loyalty, empathy, and cooperation are important, although the dark plot also includes conflict and strained relationships.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes resilience, loyalty, and taking action rather than passively accepting a frightening destiny.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show perseverance, loyalty, and integrity, though their dangerous circumstances may lead to difficult or 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 the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in THE THIRTEENTH CHILD would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE THIRTEENTH CHILD, 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