Dickens & Rumi
Cover of SWING

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SWING

Kwame Alexander with Mary Rand Hess

Noah and Swing are the best of friends until a falling out. (Ages 13 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel’s verse format is accessible, but its treatment of racism, grief, death, sexual references, and social injustice suits mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Romance4/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

References to music and pop culture are incidental to the setting.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and grief are major parts of the story, affecting a close relationship and shaping the characters’ emotions and choices.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild teen-appropriate profanity reflective of high school environments.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religious themes are not a focus.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

Romantic feelings, dating, attraction, and relationship uncertainty are prominent parts of the teen story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some tense danger and emotionally frightening situations affect the characters, but the story is not designed to scare readers.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Very mild adolescent talk about relationships, but no explicit content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal and infrequent mentions of typical high school social settings.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

There are instances of racial confrontation and scuffles, but it is not gratuitous or excessive.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Central theme of finding the courage to speak up against injustice.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Poetry, music, performance, dance, and imaginative self-expression are central to the novel’s style and themes.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Black teen characters have agency and complexity, with race and representation treated as central lived experiences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Explores history of jazz and social issues through an artistic lens.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, empathy, loyalty, and caring for people through grief are important recurring values.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong messages emphasize friendship, authentic self-expression, racial justice, resilience, love, and acting with courage.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonists show growth and accountability for their actions.

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

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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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