Dickens & Rumi
Cover of A VELOCITY OF BEING

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A VELOCITY OF BEING

Maria Popova and Claudia Bedrick

Culture makers and illustrators celebrate the joys of reading. (Ages 10 to 13)

Ages 10+Source checked

Why this age? The language and concepts are sophisticated and philosophical. While accessible to younger readers with an interest in books, the depth of the essays is best suited for late elementary schoolers through adults. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age10+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character1/5
  • LGBTQIA characters1/5
  • Religious themes1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Positive messages5/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Death is not a theme.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

Diverse contributors are included, but LGBTQIA themes are not the primary focus.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

No specific religious agenda.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Encourages the intellectual courage to think independently and explore new ideas.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

Deeply centers on creativity, imagination, and the power of art to inspire new perspectives.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features a very diverse group of contributors from different cultures and professions.

Educational value4/5
Why this rating?

Highly educational regarding the history, philosophy, and personal impact of literature.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Promotes empathy, open-mindedness, and the connection between humans through shared stories.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong positive messages about the value of reading, lifelong learning, and intellectual curiosity.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Features a wide array of accomplished, thoughtful, and creative role models from various fields.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in A VELOCITY OF BEING would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in A VELOCITY OF BEING, and what caused that change?
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HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS (FULL-CAST EDITION)J.K. RowlingAges 13+HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWSJ.K. RowlingAges 13+HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCEJ.K. RowlingAges 13+HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE (FULL-CAST EDITION)J.K. RowlingAges 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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