Dickens & Rumi

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What-the-Dickens

Gregory Maguire · 2007

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for What-the-Dickens by Gregory Maguire. This book is recommended for ages 9+; content notes include Frightening scenes, Death of a character, Violence; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Courage & resilience.

Ages 9+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to readers around 9 and up because of moderate suspense, peril, family difficulties, and emotionally weighty themes, alongside accessible fantasy storytelling. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age9+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Death of a character2/5
  • Violence2/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

Themes of loss and being left behind are present but handled with a focus on folklore.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Mild, age-appropriate language.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on original fantasy folklore, not religious doctrine.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not a focus of the plot.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Atmospheric tension regarding the mysterious nature of skibbles and the stormy, dark setting.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Minor, stylized instances of conflict involving supernatural creatures.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters face danger, uncertainty, and hardship with persistence and moral courage rather than simple fearlessness.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Inventive folklore, imaginative world-building, playful language, and unusual perspectives strongly encourage creativity.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The focus is primarily on fantastical creatures and a specific family dynamic.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages an appreciation for creative writing and folklore structures.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Care, compassion, and concern for vulnerable characters are important parts of the book's emotional and moral arc.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The novel emphasizes empathy, responsibility, identity, family, and making humane choices despite difficult circumstances.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Positive emphasis on intergenerational connection through shared stories.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in What-the-Dickens would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in What-the-Dickens, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

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THE KEEPERDavid BaldacciAges 12+THE FINISHERDavid BaldacciAges 10+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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