Dickens & Rumi

book

Better than perfect

Simone Elkeles · 2014

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for Better than perfect by Simone Elkeles. This book is content notes include Romance, Alcohol or drugs, Sexual content & nudity; positive qualities include Positive messages, Courage & resilience.

Source checked

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Sexual content & nudity2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

A few ordinary brand or product mentions may appear, but the story is not built around shopping or merchandise.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Past trauma may include loss, but death is not described as central to the current story.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild profanity and teenage name-calling may occur in the high-school setting.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

A central teen romance includes emotional development and dating themes.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Romantic tension and typical teen sexual references are indicated, without evidence of explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Some social drinking or references to past substance use are indicated; stronger or sustained use is not established.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Past gang-related activity and minor scuffles are referenced, but violence does not appear to be graphic or central.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters show courage by confronting difficult circumstances, changing direction, and being emotionally vulnerable.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The story supports self-reinvention and constructive problem-solving, but creativity is not a major subject.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The central contrast includes socioeconomic differences, though broader representation is not established.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

The book may offer incidental insight into youth and the justice system, but teaching is not its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy, understanding, and supportive relationships grow as characters look beyond stereotypes.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

The story emphasizes redemption, challenging stereotypes, personal responsibility, and changing harmful patterns.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Flawed characters show growth, accountability, and increasing maturity, though they also make poor choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What message do you think the story most wants you to remember?
  2. How did relationships or romance affect the characters’ choices?
  3. Which choice in Better than perfect would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Better than perfect, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to get it

Find in a libraryBuy on Bookshop.orgBuy on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate and Bookshop.org affiliate, Dickens & Rumi may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating