Dickens & Rumi

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You don't know everything, Jilly P!

Alex Gino · 2018

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for You don't know everything, Jilly P! by Alex Gino. This book is recommended for ages 10+; content notes include LGBTQIA characters, Strong language, Religious themes; positive qualities include Diverse representation, Kindness & empathy.

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to middle-grade readers because of its accessible prose and emotionally nuanced discussions of racism, disability, gender identity, family conflict, and empathy. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

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At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Strong language2/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Diverse representation5/5
  • Kindness & empathy5/5
  • Positive messages5/5

What’s in it?

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Minimal mild language typical of middle-grade fiction.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

A transgender character and discussions of gender identity are important to Jilly’s growth and the book’s themes, though they are not the sole focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a focus of the story.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Very light, age-appropriate middle-school crushes are mentioned.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Includes brief mention of racial bias and a non-graphic encounter involving a police interaction.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show social and emotional courage by challenging prejudice, speaking honestly, and reconsidering beliefs even when doing so is uncomfortable.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages creative approaches to problem-solving and social connection.

Diverse representation5/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast including a deaf family member and a Black friend, handled with sensitivity.

Educational value3/5
Why this rating?

The novel offers accessible insight into deafness, racism, transgender identity, privilege, and respectful communication through its narrative rather than as a textbook.

Kindness & empathy5/5
Why this rating?

Kindness, empathy, and advocacy are central themes throughout the narrative.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive messages about allyship, listening to others, and acknowledging one's own ignorance.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Jilly makes mistakes but learns to take responsibility, listen, and act more thoughtfully; supportive family and friends model growth and advocacy.

Family discussion

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

  1. Whose perspective did the story help you understand better?
  2. How are identity and relationships presented, and how do they shape the characters’ experiences?
  3. Which choice in You don't know everything, Jilly P! would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in You don't know everything, Jilly P!, and what caused that change?
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Related by age fit, format, and catalogue context.

You’re hereYou don't know everything, Jilly P!
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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