Dickens & Rumi
Cover of TRULY DEVIOUS

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TRULY DEVIOUS

Maureen Johnson

Stevie Bell investigates the mysteries at Ellingham Academy. (Ages 14 to 17)

Ages 14+Source checked

Why this age? The book centers on kidnapping and murder investigations, threatening messages, danger, and suspense. Violence is generally mystery-focused rather than graphically described, but the themes require emotional maturity. 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
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Good role models3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Mentions of general pop culture; no intrusive product placement.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

Central to the plot is a historical double kidnapping/murder and a contemporary murder.

Graphic injury2/5
Why this rating?

Includes descriptions of cold cases and crime scenes, though not overly graphic.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Contains occasional mild profanity.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Features diverse student characters, including LGBTQIA representation.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes teenage romantic subplots typical of the boarding school setting.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Threatening riddles, a killer mystery, an isolated school, abandoned tunnels, a murder, and horror-themed material create sustained suspense.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Occasional mild teen romance references; no graphic sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Limited mention of underage drinking or party settings common in high school literature.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

The plot includes a historic murder, a present-day death, threats, and investigation of possible motives; violence is central but not described as highly graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Stevie and her peers investigate threatening mysteries and enter risky settings despite fear and warnings to stay away.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Puzzles, hidden games, riddles, scripts, art, engineering, music, and inventive detective work are prominent features of the school and plot.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse cast of students with varied backgrounds and interests.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Promotes interest in history, puzzles, and deductive reasoning.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and cooperation are key to the character dynamics.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on critical thinking, perseverance, and curiosity.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Protagonist is intelligent and motivated, though occasionally makes risky investigative choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

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

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in TRULY DEVIOUS would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in TRULY DEVIOUS, and what caused that change?
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Dark Lord of DerkholmDiana Wynne Jones · 1998Ages 14+The Secret AdversaryAgatha Christie · 1922Ages 13+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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