Dickens & Rumi
Cover of GIRLS LIKE GIRLS

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GIRLS LIKE GIRLS

Hayley Kiyoko

Two girls struggle with their feelings for each other. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen romance and LGBTQIA+ identity are handled with emotional depth, alongside family conflict, grief, alcohol or drug references, and some sexual situations. The prose is accessible for older middle-school and high-school readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters5/5
  • Romance5/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of period-appropriate pop culture and brands for setting the scene.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's mother died previously; it influences the emotional tone.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity appropriate for a young adult novel.

LGBTQIA characters5/5
Why this rating?

Explores a queer relationship as the primary narrative focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious backgrounds may be mentioned as part of the characters' social setting.

Romance5/5
Why this rating?

Romantic attraction, dating, kissing, jealousy, and emotional relationship choices are central to the story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some emotional anxiety and tense social situations.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of kissing and romantic encounters, but no explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional social use of alcohol or nicotine in high school party settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Contains minor verbal conflict and some high school social aggression.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Strong focus on the courage required to live authentically in a restrictive environment.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Creative expression and personal identity appear in the story, though imaginative or inventive problem-solving is not a major focus.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse queer experiences and interpersonal dynamics.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into queer teenage experiences and emotional growth, but is not primarily instructional.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Characters learn the value of empathy and supporting one another.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself and navigating complex relationships.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Characters display realistic growth and learning from mistakes.

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 are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in GIRLS LIKE GIRLS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in GIRLS LIKE GIRLS, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+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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