Dickens & Rumi
Cover of FAR FROM THE TREE

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FAR FROM THE TREE

Robin Benway

Three siblings separated in infancy find each other as teenagers. (Ages 13 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? Teen pregnancy, adoption-related grief, family conflict, sexual references, substance use, and emotionally intense situations call for mature YA readers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age14+

Strongest cautions

  • Romance3/5
  • Alcohol or drugs2/5
  • Frightening scenes2/5

Strongest positives

  • Positive messages5/5
  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Diverse representation4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Past loss is a component of the characters' backgrounds.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild to moderate profanity typical of YA contemporary fiction.

LGBTQIA characters1/5
Why this rating?

LGBTQIA characters are present within the supporting cast.

Romance3/5
Why this rating?

Contains teen romance and dating relationships.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Tense moments regarding family secrets and emotional instability.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

References to teen pregnancy and sexual activity are present but not graphic.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Occasional underage drinking or smoking mentioned in social contexts.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

Minor instances of past trauma or physical altercations in a foster setting are mentioned.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Characters demonstrate the emotional courage needed to seek out biological connections.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

The story may spark imagination through its emotional character journeys, but it focuses more on empathy and family relationships than inventive thinking or creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation4/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse characters with different ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic experiences.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Offers insight into the foster care system and adoption processes.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and building bonds are central to the characters' growth.

Positive messages5/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes of empathy, self-discovery, and the importance of chosen and biological family connections.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Characters show growth, resilience, and increasing maturity in dealing with trauma.

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 FAR FROM THE TREE would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in FAR FROM THE TREE, 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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