Dickens & Rumi
Cover of LEGEND

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LEGEND

Marie Lu

In a post-apocalyptic America, there are two warring nations: the Republic and the Colonies. (Ages 12 and up)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to teens because of repeated peril, killings, armed conflict, grief, oppression, and morally complex choices, alongside moderate romance and relatively limited sexual content. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Violence4/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Positive messages4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Murder and deaths are central to the mystery and conflict; grief and the consequences of loss receive meaningful attention.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Some descriptions of injuries and pain are present but not gratuitous.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity, insults, and hostile language may occur, but strong language is not a major feature.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A developing attraction and relationship between the protagonists is an important subplot, including kissing and emotional intimacy.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Dystopian danger, pursuit, imprisonment, disease, surveillance, and threats to young characters create sustained tension.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Very limited sexual content; romantic intimacy is present without explicit sexual activity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal mention of substances, not glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent chases, armed conflict, combat, imprisonment, and threats of violence; action is intense but not graphically described.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront danger, injustice, and personal loss, often choosing principled resistance over safety.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Features ingenious solutions to escape and survive high-tech surveillance.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Main characters are of different ethnic backgrounds, which is central to their identity.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

It offers incidental insight into government power, social inequality, propaganda, policing, and ethical decision-making rather than formal instruction.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Compassion, loyalty, cooperation, and concern for vulnerable people are meaningful counterweights to the harsh setting.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes address inequality, authoritarian control, propaganda, justice, loyalty, compassion, and questioning official narratives.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show courage, loyalty, and moral growth, though they also make risky choices and operate in a violent system.

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 LEGEND would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in LEGEND, 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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