Dickens & Rumi
Cover of WHEN HARU WAS HERE

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WHEN HARU WAS HERE

Dustin Thao

Eric deals with the death of his best friend and crush with an imaginary relationship. (Ages 12 to 18)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The novel centers on bereavement, loneliness, identity, and a supernatural relationship. Romantic content is mostly tender, but the grief and emotional themes may be intense for younger readers. 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
  • LGBTQIA characters4/5
  • Romance4/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Diverse representation3/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Death and grief are central to the plot and the protagonist's emotional journey.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Contains very mild language consistent with YA realistic fiction.

LGBTQIA characters4/5
Why this rating?

A same-gender romantic relationship is central to the protagonists and the book’s emotional arc; queer identity is meaningfully represented rather than incidental.

Romance4/5
Why this rating?

The central story follows a significant romantic relationship between Eric and Haru, including intimacy, longing, and the emotional effects of separation and loss.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

A possibly ghostly return and eerie uncertainty create unsettling moments, but the story is not horror-focused and avoids intense scares.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Sexual content is not a focus of the story.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mentions of substance use may appear in a realistic teen setting, but it is not glorified.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Courage is shown through the emotional work of facing one's grief.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Encourages creative expression and reflection.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse characters and cultural perspectives.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the emotional experience of grief.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Empathy and kindness are central to the characters' interactions and resolution.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes regarding the healthy processing of grief, healing, and personal growth.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

The characters exhibit growth, vulnerability, and resilience.

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 the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in WHEN HARU WAS HERE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in WHEN HARU WAS HERE, 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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