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THE SUN AND THE STAR

Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for THE SUN AND THE STAR by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro. This book is recommended for ages 12+; content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, LGBTQIA characters; positive qualities include Courage & resilience, Positive messages.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? Middle-grade adventure fiction with frightening underworld settings, monsters, battles, death and grief, psychological manipulation, and emotionally complex themes, balanced by humor and hope. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Part of a larger established media franchise with associated merchandise.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Themes of death are central, as characters navigate the Underworld and process past losses of friends and family.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, non-graphic descriptions of injuries sustained during magical battles.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild language typical of the middle-grade fantasy genre.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists are in a loving, openly gay relationship; this identity is central to their character development and the story's themes.

Religious themes4/5
Why this rating?

Greek and Roman gods, prophecy, the Underworld, spirits, and afterlife ideas are central to the story, though presented as fantasy mythology rather than modern religious practice.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

The relationship between Nico and Will is a central focus, involving emotional intimacy, support, and expressions of love.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Includes intense scenes in the dark abyss of Tartarus, encounters with frightening monsters, and themes of psychological dread.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Features fantasy combat with monsters, demons, and mythological entities, involving magical powers and weaponry typical of the genre.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5
Why this rating?

Characters consistently display bravery by entering dangerous territory to save those they care about.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Builds on rich mythological lore with imaginative world-building and creative monster design.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Includes LGBTQIA+ protagonists and diverse character representation in an inclusive fantasy setting.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Explores Greek and Roman mythology in a fictional, creative context.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and care for friends are fundamental drivers of the characters' actions.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of self-acceptance, embracing one's 'darkness,' the importance of communication in relationships, and resilience.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

The characters demonstrate growth, empathy, and courage, serving as positive examples of working through personal struggles.

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 SUN AND THE STAR would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in THE SUN AND THE STAR, 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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